Elucidating the internal structure of RNA based therapeutics and vaccines

RNA based drug products, such as RNA therapeutics or mRNA vaccines, are complex self-assemblies of lipids and RNA, and researchers are working hard to understand how to best optimise these formulations to ensure stable products for efficacious delivery to different tissues and with different payloads. Established particle characterization techniques, such as Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) or Electrophoretic Light Scattering (ELS) are critical tools to reports on sample size, polydispersity and zeta potential, helping us understand what is made and if it changes over time or in different conditions. Due to the inherent complexity of these particles, better understanding of the internal structure is emerging as important.

In this webinar we are sharing how more advanced techniques can be used to complement DLS and ELS. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) provides a “fingerprint” of the particle structure we can use to identify sample changes due to environmental stress or process changes. We also introduce Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS), in particular how lab-based instruments, can help you probe nanoscale structural details inside the particles, without extensive sample preparation or labelling and how this can complement other techniques such as Cryogenic Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM).