Also: LNP, mRNA vaccines, liposomes
Liposomes are tiny fat bubbles that carry drugs. Lipid nanoparticles carry mRNA and made the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines possible.
Readiness: lab lab studies · prototype demonstrated objects · commercial products or buildings in real use · review summaries of other studies.
Bangham and colleagues described swollen phospholipid layers, the first liposomes.
As reported in: Bangham, Standish, Watkins (1965). Diffusion of univalent ions across the lamellae of swollen phospholipids. Journal of Molecular Biology. doi:10.1016/S0022-2836(65)80093-6
Abstract only
Allen and Cullis reviewed liposomal drug delivery from concept to clinic.
Built / tested: liposomal drugs
As reported in: Allen, Cullis (2013). Liposomal drug delivery systems: From concept to clinical applications. Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews. doi:10.1016/j.addr.2012.09.037
Abstract only
Karikó and colleagues showed modified nucleosides help mRNA avoid immune detection, work honored with the 2023 Nobel Prize.
As reported in: Karikó, Buckstein, Ni et al. (2005). Suppression of RNA Recognition by Toll-like Receptors: The Impact of Nucleoside Modification and the Evolutionary Origin of RNA. Immunity. doi:10.1016/j.immuni.2005.06.008
Polack and colleagues reported the safety and efficacy trial of the BNT162b2 lipid-nanoparticle mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
Built / tested: mRNA vaccine
As reported in: Polack, Thomas, Kitchin et al. (2020). Safety and Efficacy of the BNT162b2 mRNA Covid-19 Vaccine. New England Journal of Medicine. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2034577
Hou, Langer, and colleagues reviewed lipid nanoparticles for mRNA delivery.
As reported in: Hou, Zaks, Langer et al. (2021). Lipid nanoparticles for mRNA delivery. Nature Reviews Materials. doi:10.1038/s41578-021-00358-0