Principles for optimization and validation of mRNA lipid nanoparticle vaccines against COVID-19 using 3D bioprinting. (April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Papi, Massimiliano; Pozzi, Daniela; Palmieri, Valentina; Caracciolo, Giulio
• Is Part Of: Nano today. Volume 43(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-04
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- Vaccines -- Lipid nanoparticles -- Bioprinting -- Administration route -- mRNA; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanosciences -- Périodiques; 620.505
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nantod.2022.101403
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-0132

Abstract

Highlights: Lipid nanoparticles allow high encapsulation and protection of mRNA in vaccines. New methods predict the LNPs composition-cellular response relationship. 3D bioprinting recapitulates human tissues and could expedite vaccine availability. Immune response can be evaluated in 3D tissues according to administration route. Graphical Abstract: ga1 Abstract: BioNTech/Pfizer's Comirnaty and Moderna's SpikeVax vaccines consist in mRNA encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). The modularity of the delivery platform and the manufacturing possibilities provided by microfluidics let them look like an instant success, but they are the product of decades of intense research. There is a multitude of considerations to be made when designing an optimal mRNA-LNPs vaccine. Herein, we provide a brief overview of what is presently known and what still requires investigation to optimize mRNA LNPs vaccines. Lastly, we give our perspective on the engineering of 3D bioprinted validation systems that will allow faster, cheaper, and more predictive vaccine testing in the future compared with animal models.