Encapsulating In Vitro Transcribed circRNA into Lipid Nanoparticles Via Microfluidic Mixing

Abstract

This chapter serves as a guide for researchers embarking on circular RNA-based translational studies. It provides a foundation for the successful encapsulation of circular RNA into lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and facilitates progress in this emerging field. Crucial scientific methods and techniques involved in the formulation process, particle characterization, and downstream processing of circ-LNPs are covered. The production of in vitro transcribed circular RNA-containing LNPs based on a commercially available lipid mix is provided, in addition to the fundamentals for successful encapsulation based on lipid mixes composed of single components. Furthermore, the transfection and validation protocols for the identification of a functional and potentially therapeutic circRNA candidate for initial in vitro verification, before subsequent LNP studies, are explained.

Keywords: Cardiomyocytes; Circular RNA; In vitro transcription (IVT); Lipid nanoparticle (LNP); RNA therapeutics.