In this tandem webinar, 30 May, 2022, two hot topics are covered by Elin Esbjörner and Fredrik Höök: The role of supramolecular lipid self assembly and protein corona formation for functional mRNA delivery to cells.
Program:
Moderator: Maria Abrahamsson, Director Chalmers Area of Advance Materials Science
Fredrik Höök, Professor, Nano and Biophysics, Department of Physics, Chalmers University of Technology.
Elin Esbjörner, Associate Professor, Biology and Biological Engineering, Chemical Biology, Chalmers University of Technology
Abstract:
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) serve as carriers for mRNA delivery in a new generation of vaccines, but several challenges remain before this approach can offer broad clinical translation of RNA therapeutics. Fredrik Höök and Elin Esbjörner Winters will present the interdisciplinary approach established to address some of these challenges within the SSF funded industrial research center FoRmulaEx. Examples will include the development of advanced optical microscopy approaches to characterize LNPs with single nanoparticle resolution, new means to label the mRNA cargo as well as live-cell imaging approaches for visualization of endosomal LNP processing and functional mRNA delivery. Particular emphasis will be put on the role of protein corona formation on the time-dependent maturation steps that critically unlock cellular LNP uptake and mRNA delivery.