mRNA Technology in Practice: From Design to mRNA-LNP Characterization

How does a DNA template become a fully characterized mRNA-LNP product?

As part of the VISION Project, a two-day “mRNA Technology in Practice” training was organised in collaboration with the mRNA Unit of the Institut Pasteur de Tunis (IPT). The training provided participants with an overview of the complete mRNA development workflow, from initial design and production to formulation and analytical characterization.

The programme combined theoretical knowledge with practical insights, covering the history and applications of mRNA technology, plasmid design, in vitro transcription (IVT), capping strategies, purification processes, chromatography and mRNA-lipid nanoparticle (mRNA-LNP) formulation.

The second day focused on analytical approaches used to assess the quality and characteristics of mRNA products. Participants explored techniques including capillary gel electrophoresis, ZetaSizer analysis and RiboGreen assays, gaining insight into their applications within the mRNA development and quality assessment process.

The training concluded with a laboratory visit at the Institut Pasteur de Tunis, giving participants the opportunity to discover the facilities and technologies supporting mRNA research and development and to connect the concepts covered during the sessions with their practical implementation in a research environment.

By bringing together scientific knowledge, technical expertise and practical exposure, the training offered participants a comprehensive view of the mRNA development pipeline and the multiple steps involved in producing and characterizing mRNA-LNP products.

The initiative contributes to the VISION Project’s broader objective of strengthening scientific and technical capacities in advanced biological technologies and supporting the development of expertise in mRNA research and innovation.