LNP based Antisense Oligonucleotide (ASO) Encapsulation Service

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are one of the important technologies in lipid delivery systems. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are encapsulated in LNPs to resist nuclease degradation and improve cellular delivery. Creative Biolabs has extensive experience in LNP encapsulation of ASO and can provide customers with custom LNP formulation solutions for ASOs and high-quality encapsulated products.

Figure 1. A typical LNP structure.¹

Lipid Nanoparticles Introduction

LNPs have a micellar structure within the particle core and can form a stable dispersed structure. ASOs encapsulated in LNPs are protected during delivery, released in cells, and translated into therapeutic proteins. A typical LNP contains 4 lipid components: ionizable lipids, PEGylated lipids, phospholipids, and cholesterol.

• Lonizable Lipid and Cationic Lipid

Ionized lipids and cationic lipids are composed of an amino head, a hydrophobic tail, and a linker, and can be divided into monoamines and polyamines according to the number of amino heads. There are three ionizable cationic lipids approved for RNA delivery: DLin-MC3-DMA (MC3), SM-102, and ALC-0315.

• Head group

The head group is positively charged and can coat the negatively charged ASO while stabilizing the LNP to interact with the cell membrane and promote cellular uptake. Typical head groups include amines (primary amine, secondary amine, tertiary amine, quaternary amine), guanidine, heterocyclic groups, etc. During formation, the ionizable lipid and cationic lipid are positively charged by protonation and then bind to the negatively charged ASO via electrostatic interactions, thus encapsulating the ASO within the LNP.

• Linker

The linker is responsible for connecting the head and tail of the LNP, which will affect the stability, biodegradability, cytotoxicity, and transfection efficiency of the LNP. The linked fragments can be classified as either nonbiodegradable (e.g., ethers and carbamates) or biodegradable (e.g., esters, amides, and thiols).

• Tail

The tail can be a saturated/unsaturated aliphatic chain, and the degree of unsaturation affects the delivery of nucleic acids. The hydrophobic tail affects the formation and potency of LNP by affecting pKa, lipophilicity, mobility, and fusibility.

Helper Lipid for Encapsulation

• Phospholipid: Phospholipids are accessory lipids that contribute to lipid nanoparticle formation and endosomal escape. DSPC and DOPE are the most commonly used phospholipids. To enhance the physical and biological functions of phospholipids, the synthetic pore size (SAR) of phospholipids should be considered and the chemical structure of phospholipids should be optimized.
• Cholesterol: Cholesterol helps to increase the stability of LNPs and contributes to membrane fusion.
• PEGylated lipid: PEGylated lipids can reduce nanoparticle aggregation, prolong circulation time, and escape phagocytosis by the mononuclear phagocyte system. PEG2000 lipid is most suitable for the formation of stable LNPs. Poly (glycerol), poly (oxazoline), and poly (amino acids) can be used as PEG alternatives.

Table.1 Lipid composition of f Commonly Used LNP drugs.

Synthetic Method

• Thin Film Hydration Method

The lipids dissolved in organic solvents were spin-steamed to form a thin lipid layer. When the thin layer was hydrated with an aqueous buffer solution containing nucleic acids, it formed heterogeneous, nanoscale multi-layered vesicles (MLVS), which were further extruded and sonicated.

• Ethanol Injection Technique

The lipids were dissolved in ethanol and vesicles were formed by rapid injection under agitation into an aqueous buffer containing the drug or compound used for encapsulation.

• Nanoprecipitation Method

The spontaneous formation of LNP was promoted by continuous mixing of organic and aqueous phases under moderate magnetic stirring. After particle formation, the organic solvent was removed using dialysis, ultracentrifugation, rotary steaming, and freeze-drying.

• Other Methods

Reverse phase evaporation method, freeze-drying method, double emulsion method, and active drug loading method (e.g., pH. gradient method, ammonium sulfate gradient method, and calcium acetate gradient method).

Quality Control

After encapsulation of ASO, the particle size, polydispersity, ζ potential, and encapsulation efficiency of the product will be examined, and the detection methods are shown in the table:

Tab.2 Quality characterization of LNP encapsulated ASO

Applications

Selective Organ Targeting (SORT)

SORT lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) deliver drugs to the liver, lung, and spleen of mice. The regulation of tissue tropism depends on the specific chemical functional groups, the physicochemical properties of SORT molecules, and the amount of SORT molecules added. In SORT, the addition of a permanent cationic lipid resulted in protein expression primarily in the lung, a permanent anionic lipid facilitated delivery to the spleen, and an ionized amino lipid increased delivery to the liver.

Crossing the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)

The BBB is virtually impermeable to large, charged molecules like ASOs. Direct intrathecal injection is invasive and limited in distribution. Specific LNP formulations (e.g., using receptor-mediated transcytosis ligands or optimizing surface properties) are being designed to cross the BBB after intravenous administration.

Advantages

Efficient Encapsulation

LNP binds to negatively charged ASO through electrostatic adsorption to form a stable complex that effectively encapsulates ASO, ensuring the stability and integrity of drug delivery.

High Delivery Capacity

LNP with a diameter of about 100 nm has a strong ability to penetrate the cell barrier, which can deliver ASO to target cells. Moreover, LNPs can also achieve targeted delivery to specific cells by modification with specific ligands (such as GalNAc, peptides, antibodies, etc.).

Our Services

We do not offer a one-size-fits-all solution. Each ASO candidate presents unique challenges based on its sequence, chemistry, length, and target tissue. Our scientists employ a rational design approach:

• Lipid Screening Library: We utilize an extensive proprietary library of ionizable lipids, phospholipids, cholesterol derivatives, and PEG-lipids. We systematically evaluate combinations to identify the optimal formulation for your specific ASO.
• Critical Quality Attributes (CQA) Focus: We optimize for key parameters:
  • Encapsulation Efficiency: Minimizes free ASO, reducing toxicity and off-target effects.
  • Particle Size & PDI: Tailored between 70-150 nm using microfluidic mixing for optimal biodistribution and batch homogeneity.
  • Surface Charge (Zeta Potential): Fine-tuned for colloidal stability and interaction with biological membranes.
  • Sterility & Endotoxin Control: All processes comply with stringent standards for in vivo applications.

Our Collaborative Process

We view our clients as scientific partners. Our process is transparent, iterative, and goal-oriented.

1. Phase 1: Project Scoping & Design

   • Initial consultation to define ASO sequence, modification (e.g., MOE), target tissue, and development stage.
   • Joint establishment of Target Product Profile (TPP) and success criteria.

2. Phase 2: Feasibility & Formulation Development

   • Small-scale screening of 10-20 LNP formulations.
   • Delivery of a preliminary report with top 2-3 candidate formulations for client review.

3. Phase 3: Lead Optimization & Scale-Up

   • Refinement of the lead formulation for key CQAs.
   • Scalability is a core strength: We seamlessly transition from microfluidic benchtop preparation to scalable processes, ensuring formulation translatability.

4. Phase 4: Preclinical Evaluation

   • Execution of agreed-upon in vitro and in vivo studies.
   • Comprehensive final report including full analytical data, protocols, and recommendations for further development.

Frequently Asked Questions

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The convergence of advanced ASO chemistry and sophisticated LNP delivery technology represents a powerful frontier in precision medicine. Creative Biolabs' LNP-based ASO Encapsulation Service provides the scientific expertise, proprietary platforms, and collaborative partnership necessary to overcome the formidable delivery barrier. By leveraging our deep experience with chemistries like MOE and our commitment to customizable, scalable solutions, we empower researchers to unlock the full therapeutic potential of their ASO candidates. For more information, please feel free to contact us.

Reference

1. Dinh, Linh, Lanesa Mahon, and Bingfang Yan. "Nano-Encapsulation and Conjugation Applied in the Development of Lipid Nanoparticles Delivering Nucleic Acid Materials to Enable Gene Therapies." Applied Nano 5.3 (2024): 143-161.. (Distributed under Open Access license CC BY 4.0, without modification.)