Episode 3: A View On mRNA Encapsulation

Driving Innovation Through Collaboration: The Future of mRNA Therapies

In this episode, we are joined by three experts—Christoph Hein (Fraunhofer IPK), Bernhard Bobusch (FDX Fluid Dynamix), and Sönke Stocker (Lonza)—to explore how advanced fluidics, encapsulation techniques, and a truly collaborative approach are paving the way for potential solid-tumor vaccines now in preclinical trials.

When you think about mRNA-based vaccines, have you ever considered the complex route these microscopic instructions must travel to deliver their life-changing code? This journey, essential for the therapy’s success, lies at the core of pharmaceutical research—where the challenge is to maximize stability and “bioavailability” so that each dose effectively reaches its cellular target.

By enclosing mRNA within lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) using sophisticated mixing technologies, scientists can create the next generation of therapies—tailored to each patient’s needs. From prophylactic vaccines to personalized cancer treatments for solid tumors, these breakthroughs promise not only more effective but also safer medical solutions. In this episode, we spotlight FDmiX^®, a groundbreaking mixer platform that enables the precise production of LNPs, driving forward the possibility of new, life-saving vaccines in the fight against cancer.

Curious to Know More?

Join us in this conversation hosted by Martina Ribar Hestericová, featuring Fraunhofer IPK’s Christoph Hein, FDX Fluid Dynamix’s Bernhard Bobusch, and Lonza’s Sönke Stocker as they unveil how FDmiX^® and mRNA encapsulation could revolutionize the development of solid-tumor vaccines and other cutting-edge therapies.

 

KEY TERMS IN CONTEXT:

In the world of mRNA therapeutics, a mixer refers to specialized devices—like FDmiX^®—that rapidly and uniformly combine mRNA and lipid solutions. By generating precise fluid flows, these mixers ensure the formation of consistently sized lipid nanoparticles. This consistency is crucial for achieving stable formulations that protect mRNA until it reaches its target cells.

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are tiny, fat-based carriers engineered to encapsulate and shield mRNA from degradation. Once administered, LNPs help transport their therapeutic cargo across cell membranes, allowing the mRNA to enter cells and guide protein production. In this way, LNPs bridge the gap between laboratory-synthesized mRNA and its ability to function effectively inside the body.

In vitro transcription is an enzymatic process used to create mRNA molecules outside of living cells. By copying a portion of DNA, researchers can produce custom strands of mRNA to encode specific therapeutic proteins. Once purified, these mRNA molecules are encapsulated in LNPs to be delivered into the patient’s cells, where the proteins are then synthesized in vivo.

Microfluidics involves manipulating tiny volumes of liquid through microscale channels, enabling precise control of flow and mixing. In mRNA manufacturing, this technology is key to creating uniform lipid nanoparticles by blending mRNA and lipid solutions in a highly controlled manner. However, these laminar devices are limited in throughput. Even though microfluidics and fluidic mixers may sound similar, they are fundamentally different devices. Fluidic mixers are based on turbulent mixing by integrating specialized flow paths—such as the oscillating nozzle in the FDmiX^®— mixing platforms are taken to the next level generating rapid, turbulence-based mixing, ensuring consistency and minimizing product loss across all production scales from small batches to large volumes without compromising quality.

Ionizable lipids are specially designed molecules that alter their charge based on the surrounding pH. In mRNA encapsulation, these lipids help form stable LNPs in the bloodstream while promoting the release of mRNA payloads once inside cells. Their pH-sensitive nature is essential for balancing stability, delivery efficiency, and minimizing potential side effects.