Nanoparticle Characterization Platform

In order to pursue efficient delivery of mRNA, a variety of carrier formulations have been developed and investigated, including lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs). Since physiological interactions are determined by particle physicochemical properties, the extensive characterization of these nanoparticles is the basis for mRNA delivery application and pre-requisite for preclinical development. At present, nanoparticles can be characterized by various methods without a standard. To better characterize nanoparticles and advance the downstream application, we provide a systematic protocol for nanoparticle characterization based on multiple technologies.

Atomic force microscopy (AFM)

For nanoparticle physicochemical characterization, involving size (and its distribution), shape and among others, we offer atomic force microscopy (AFM), a common technique to analyze nanoparticles and obtain these parameters. The core component of AFM is a sharp probe, and the principle of AFM imaging is conducted by sensing the attractive/repulsive forces between the sample surface and the probing tip. The microscopy technique is relatively convenient and nondestructive, having the capability to test a large range of substrates.

Dynamic light scattering (DLS)

Dynamic light scattering (DLS), also known as photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS), is a widely used technique for investigating nanoparticles. Depending on a monochromatic laser light exposure and the Brownian motion, the nanoparticle size can be determined with the help of an autocorrelation function. To guarantee the accurate measurement of nanoparticle size, we employ high-throughput DLS to conduct verify via determining the nanoparticles' hydrodynamic diameter.

Flow cytometric analysis

For further investigation of nanoparticles, it is necessary to quantify the level of nanoparticle uptake into cells. Flow cytometry represents a robust high throughput method that has the capability to determine the internalization of fluorescently labeled nanoparticles in a large-scale and relatively short time.

Services offering

Generally, nanoparticles are physicochemically characterized by size, size distribution, morphology, surface chemistry, mRNA encapsulation efficiency. We provide related services to identify these parameters, but not limited to.

Besides the underlying parameters, we are also committed to identifying the critical parameters of nanoparticles, including in vivo clearance, stability, toxicity as well as immunogenicity characterization. We offer customized strategies according to the project needs and budgets of our global customers.