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Understanding the self-assembly and molecular structure of mRNA lipid nanoparticles at real size: Insights from the ultra-large-scale simulation
Wang, Ruifeng1; Zhang, Yunsen1; Zhong, Hao1; Zang, Jieying1; Wang, Wei1; Cheng, He5; Chen, Yongming3,4; Ouyang, Defang1,2
2025-02-10
Source PublicationInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics
ISSN0378-5173
Volume670Pages:125114
Abstract

Messenger RNA (mRNA) encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) represents a cutting-edge delivery technology that played a pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic and in advancing vaccine development. However, molecular structure of mRNA-LNPs at real size remains poorly understood, with conflicting results from various experimental studies. In this study, we aim to explore the assembly process and structural characteristics of mRNA-LNPs at realistic sizes using coarse-grained molecular dynamic simulations. The largest system, representing a real-sized LNPs (∼ 80 nm), reaches up to ∼6 million beads, around 30 million atoms. Moreover, the impacts of different mRNA loading levels and pH changes on the structure of mRNA-LNPs are also examined. Under acidic pH, ionizable lipid (dilinoleylmethyl-4-dimethylaminobutyrate, MC3), helper lipid (cholesterol, CHOL, distearoylphosphatidyl choline, DSPC), and mRNA rapidly self-assemble into spherical-like LNPs within 50 ns, with a diameter of 51.2 nm (2 mRNA) and 75.8 nm (4 mRNA). Inside the LNPs, a continuous lipid phase is observed alongside an aqueous phase, forming a bicontinuous structure. CHOL and DSPC form lipid rafts distributed within the shell or core layer of the LNPs, enhancing rigidity and stability. Notably, mRNA aggregation within the LNPs occurs independently of the lipid environment, and different mRNA payloads significantly influence the lipid composition between the core and shell. At neutral pH, lipid clustering slightly reduces the retention capacity of LNPs for mRNA. Our findings highlight the presence of a bicontinuous structure and lipid rafts in self-assembled LNPs, which critically influence LNPs rigidity, fluidity, and mRNA delivery efficiency. This structural insight provides a foundation for the rational design of LNPs to optimize mRNA delivery in future applications.

KeywordMrna Lipid Nanoparticle Real Size Self-assembly Coarse Graining Molecular Dynamic Simulation
DOI10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.125114
URLView the original
Indexed BySCIE
Language英語English
WOS Research AreaPharmacology & Pharmacy
WOS SubjectPharmacology & Pharmacy
WOS IDWOS:001399861300001
PublisherELSEVIER, RADARWEG 29, 1043 NX AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
Scopus ID2-s2.0-85213874489
Fulltext Access
Citation statistics
Document TypeJournal article
CollectionTHE STATE KEY LABORATORY OF QUALITY RESEARCH IN CHINESE MEDICINE (UNIVERSITY OF MACAU)
Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences
Corresponding AuthorOuyang, Defang
Affiliation1.State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, 999078, China
2.Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, 999078, China
3.College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
4.State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Henan University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
5.Spallation Neutron Source Science Center, Dongguan, 523803, China
First Author AffilicationInstitute of Chinese Medical Sciences
Corresponding Author AffilicationInstitute of Chinese Medical Sciences;  Faculty of Health Sciences
Recommended Citation
GB/T 7714
Wang, Ruifeng,Zhang, Yunsen,Zhong, Hao,et al. Understanding the self-assembly and molecular structure of mRNA lipid nanoparticles at real size: Insights from the ultra-large-scale simulation[J]. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2025, 670, 125114.
APA Wang, Ruifeng., Zhang, Yunsen., Zhong, Hao., Zang, Jieying., Wang, Wei., Cheng, He., Chen, Yongming., & Ouyang, Defang (2025). Understanding the self-assembly and molecular structure of mRNA lipid nanoparticles at real size: Insights from the ultra-large-scale simulation. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 670, 125114.
MLA Wang, Ruifeng,et al."Understanding the self-assembly and molecular structure of mRNA lipid nanoparticles at real size: Insights from the ultra-large-scale simulation".International Journal of Pharmaceutics 670(2025):125114.
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