Thermally stable nanoparticles for mrna vaccine delivery via spray
Innovative Nucleic Acid Nanocapsules (NANs) offer a breakthrough in mRNA vaccine delivery, ensuring stability and targeted immune responses against IBV variants. Ideal for spray application, these nanoparticles provide structural and thermal stability.
Overview
The University of Connecticut presents a novel solution in mRNA vaccine delivery using Thermally Stable Nanoparticles. Our patented Nucleic Acid Nanocapsules (NANs) are engineered to enhance mRNA vaccine efficacy by targeting specific immune responses against IBV variants. These NANs are designed to express the S1 domain for antibody generation and the Nucleoprotein for T-cell responses, optimizing cross-reactivity between serotypes. This technology is particularly suited for spray applications, offering a non-invasive delivery method.
Technical specifications
Utilizing enzyme-responsive DNA-functionalized micelles combined with peptide-based nanocapsules, our NANs exhibit remarkable structural and thermal stability. The hydrophobic core can be modified with a metal organic framework (MOF), allowing for the accommodation of expression vectors such as plasmids or mRNA. These nanoparticles are tailored for aerosol applications, ensuring effective delivery and expression of antigens like SARS-CoV2 Spike and Influenza HA in cell cultures.
Technology readiness level
The current technology readiness level is 3. The NANs have proven effective in vitro, and in vivo studies are planned with white leghorns to assess vaccine efficacy and cross-protection against IBV serotypes. Future studies will include sequential dose finding and nasal challenge studies to optimize dosage and evaluate cross-protection.
About University of Connecticut
UConn is a comprehensive public research university and the state’s flagship, with its main campus in Storrs and an academic medical center in Farmington. Industry engages through UConn Tech Park—anchored by the Innovation Partnership Building—with shared labs, pilot‑scale testbeds, and advanced prototyping for collaborators. Integration with UConn Health enables clinical collaborations and translation, while Hartford and Stamford campuses connect companies to talent along the New York–Boston corridor; a statewide extension network supports technology adoption. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NIH, NSF, DOE, USDA, and DOD. A dedicated technology commercialization office and the Technology Incubation Program support IP, licensing, and startup incubation across multiple sites.
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