How Lipid Nanoparticles Carry RNA: Detailed Images Reveal Their Structure and Function

Cryogenic electron microscopy has classified lipid nanoparticles into monophasic and biphasic architectures based on their internal structures.

• Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) exhibit a diverse range of shapes and structures that influence their biological functions.
• Different morphologies of LNPs, such as solid-core and liposomal, arise from various factors including lipid chemistry and RNA cargo properties.
• The way LNPs are formed affects their internal organization, which in turn impacts their ability to deliver genetic material effectively.
• Similar LNP structures do not always produce the same biological effects, indicating that formation pathways play a crucial role in their functionality.
• External conditions, like acidity in endosomes and protein interactions, can alter the structure and performance of LNPs during their biological journey.

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