Designing microfluidic channels for mRNA lipid nanoparticles: review of mixing methods, particle structures, and biological results

mRNA-lipid nanoparticles (mRNA-LNPs) are significantly influenced by microfluidic channel design and lipid self-assembly processes.

• Different microfluidic channel architectures affect solvent exchange rates and the kinetics of nanoparticle assembly.
• Specific mixing regimes can alter key physicochemical properties, including lipid distribution and particle morphology.
• Variations in the physicochemical characteristics of mRNA-LNPs may lead to differences in biological performance, such as cellular uptake and endosomal escape efficiency.
• A mechanistic understanding of continuous-flow assembly processes is essential for optimizing the functional behavior of mRNA-LNP systems.
• Emerging design principles are identified as critical for the future development of effective nucleic acid delivery platforms.

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