Role of nanotechnology behind the success of mRNA vaccines for COVID-19. (June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Khurana, Amit; Allawadhi, Prince; Khurana, Isha; Allwadhi, Sachin; Weiskirchen, Ralf; Banothu, Anil Kumar; Chhabra, Deepak; Joshi, Kamaldeep; Bharani, Kala Kumar
• Is Part Of: Nano today. Volume 38(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- mRNA -- Lipid nanoparticles -- BNT162b2 -- mRNA-1273; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanosciences -- Périodiques; 620.505
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nantod.2021.101142
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-0132

Abstract

Highlights: BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) and mRNA-1273 (Moderna) have been given emergency authorization for use against COVID-19. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are the key delivery vehicle for both the mRNA vaccines. These are the first mRNA vaccines approved for clinical application. Both the vaccines are ~ 95 % efficient against COVID-19. Bulk doses of LNPs based vaccine can be manufactured rapidly as compared to other nanoformulations. Graphical Abstract: ga1 Abstract: The emergency use authorization (EUA) by the US-FDA for two mRNA-based vaccines BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) and mRNA-1273 (Moderna) has brought hope of addressing the COVID-19 pandemic which has killed more than two million people globally. Nanotechnology has played a significant role in the success of these vaccines. Nanoparticles (NPs) aid in improving stability by protecting the encapsulated mRNA from ribonucleases and facilitate delivery of intact mRNA to the target site. The overwhelming success of these two mRNA based vaccines with ~95% efficacy in phase III clinical trials can be attributed to their unique nanocarrier, the "lipid nanoparticles" (LNPs). LNPs are unique compared with bilayered liposomes and provide improved stability of the cargo, possess rigid morphology, and aid in better cellular penetration. This EUA is a major milestone and showcases the immense potential of nanotechnology for vaccine delivery and for fighting against future pandemics. Currently, these two vaccines are aiding in the alleviation of the COVID-19 health crisis and demonstrate the potential utility of nanomedicine for tackling health problems at the global level.