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Elucidating the internal structure of RNA based therapeutics and vaccines

By November 26th, 2024No Comments

WEBINAR

10th December 2024 15:00–16:00 CET

Elucidating the internal structure of RNA based therapeutics and vaccines

About the event

RNA based drug products, such as RNA therapeutics or mRNA vaccines, are complex self-assemblies of lipids and RNA, and researchers are working hard to understand how to best optimise these formulations to ensure stable products for efficacious delivery to different tissues and with different payloads. Established particle characterization techniques, such as Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) or Electrophoretic Light Scattering (ELS) are critical tools to reports on sample size, polydispersity and zeta potential, helping us understand what is made and if it changes over time or in different conditions. Due to the inherent complexity of these particles, better understanding of the internal structure is emerging as important.

In this webinar we are sharing how more advanced techniques can be used to complement DLS and ELS. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) provides a “fingerprint” of the particle structure we can use to identify sample changes due to environmental stress or process changes. We also introduce Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS), in particular how lab-based instruments, can help you probe nanoscale structural details inside the particles, without extensive sample preparation or labelling and how this can complement other techniques such as Cryogenic Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM).

Who should attend?

  • Anyone interested in or working on LNPs

What will you learn?

  • Learn what analytical techniques to go to when DLS and ELS reach their limits
  • Discover how to identify sample changes due to environmental stress or process changes with DSC
  • Understand how to probe nanoscale structural details inside the particles using SAXS

Presented by:

Kuo-Chih Shih, PhD is Sr. Field Applications Scientist at Malvern Panalytical. He holds a PhD in Agricultural Chemistry, specializing in the structural characterization of biomaterials. He has expertise in laser, X-ray, and neutron scattering techniques, including small-angle X-ray scattering, X-ray diffraction, and dynamic light scattering. His research at Malvern Panalytical focused on lipid-based vectors such as LNPs, liposomes, and bicelles. Currently, he explores the global and local structures of LNPs using scattering technologies combined with differential scanning calorimetry. Kuo-Chih also provides valuable insights into small molecule pharmaceutical development through his expertise in XRD.
Josue San Emeterio, PhD, is an application scientist at Xenocs Inc, bringing extensive expertise in biological small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), with a focus on both biological sample analysis and instrumental development. Josue earned his PhD from Cornell University, where his thesis centered on using SAXS to explore the RNA structure of small single-stranded RNA viruses. Since joining Xenocs, his research interests have expanded to lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), developing the methodology to characterize them through SAXS. In his current role, Josue plays a key part in developing and delivering comprehensive training programs for Xenocs users, ensuring they gain a solid understanding of SAXS techniques and instrumentation.

Registration

Registration is free.

Attendees information will be processed and recorded by the organizers Xenocs SAS and Malvern Panalytical in accordance with their privacy policies. Please consult Xenocs SAS privacy policy for more information.

Xenocs and Malvern Panalytical Collaboration

Learn more on Xenocs and Malvern Panalytical Collaboration here.