The AIRFoundry provides state-of-the-art resources and expertise to support your research needs. Our facility is equipped with the latest technology for the production and analysis of RNA (RNA) and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs).
We offer a comprehensive suite of services, from initial consultation and experimental design to the production and quality control of your custom RNA and LNPs. Our goal is to lower the experimental barriers for researchers interested in exploring the potential of RNA technology.
Our Services Include:
- In Vitro Transcription (IVT) of mRNA: We offer high-quality, in vitro transcribed mRNA synthesis with sequence optimization. We can incorporate modified nucleosides to enhance stability and reduce immunogenicity. Both small and large-scale production runs are available to suit your research needs.
- Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) Formulation: We can encapsulate your mRNA into a variety of lipid nanoparticle formulations, including proprietary and non-proprietary options. We also offer surface modification of LNPs for targeted delivery to specific tissues and cells.
- Quality Control and Analytics: All our products undergo rigorous quality control to ensure high purity, integrity, and potency. We provide detailed characterization of our mRNA and LNPs.
- Off-the-Shelf Products: We offer a selection of ready-to-use in vitro transcribed mRNA encoding reporter genes (e.g., eGFP, mCherry, Luc), model antigens (e.g., OVA), and other research tools (e.g. Cre recombinase, Cas9).
- Consultation and Custom Services: Our team of experts is available to provide consultation on experimental design and to develop custom solutions for your specific research goals.
What is In Vitro Transcription?
In vitro transcription (IVT) is a laboratory process that allows for the synthesis of large quantities of RNA from a DNA template. This technique is the cornerstone of our mRNA production services.
What it can do:
+ Generate capped and polyadenylated RNA: We can add a 5′ cap and a 3′ poly(A) tail to the RNA to mimic mature eukaryotic mRNA, which is crucial for its stability and translation in vivo.
+ Produce high-purity RNA: IVT allows for the production of highly pure and homogenous RNA, which is essential for downstream applications.
+ Incorporate modified nucleotides: We can incorporate modified nucleotides into the RNA sequence to improve its stability, reduce its immunogenicity, and enhance its translational efficiency.
The Benefits of Using RNA-LNPs
RNA-based technologies, particularly those using lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for delivery, have revolutionized the fields of medicine and biology. Here’s why you should consider using RNA-LNPs in your research:
- Targeted Delivery: LNPs can be engineered to target specific cells or tissues, ensuring that the mRNA payload is delivered precisely where it’s needed. This minimizes off-target effects and increases the efficiency of your therapeutic or research agent.
- Transient Expression: Unlike DNA-based therapies, mRNA does not integrate into the host genome, making it a safer option for many applications. The expression of the encoded protein is transient, allowing for precise control over the duration of the effect.
- Versatility: The mRNA-LNP platform is incredibly versatile and can be used for a wide range of applications, including:
- Gene Therapy: Deliver therapeutic proteins to treat genetic disorders.
- Cell Engineering: Reprogram stem cells or create CAR-T cells for cancer immunotherapy.
- Vaccine Development: Rapidly create vaccines against infectious diseases and cancer.
- Research Applications: Study gene function, protein expression, and cellular pathways.
Use Case Examples
- Vaccines: The most well-known application of RNA-LNP technology is in the development of vaccines, such as the COVID-19 vaccines. In addition to the vaccines intended for humans, the potential for RNA-LNP-based vaccines in veterinary medicine is beginning to be explored.
- Gene Editing: RNA can be used to deliver the components of CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing systems to cells for therapeutic purposes.
- Protein Replacement Therapy: RNA can be used to produce therapeutic proteins to treat genetic diseases.
- Crop Improvement: RNA can be used to transiently express genes in plants to study their function and to develop new traits, such as disease resistance or drought tolerance.
- Plant-based pharmaceuticals: Plants can be used as bioreactors to produce therapeutic proteins from RNA.
Our research team has an extensive publishing record for additional use case examples!
User Workflow
We strive to make our services as accessible and user-friendly as possible. Here is a typical workflow for a user of the AIRFoundry:
- Initial Consultation: Contact us to schedule a free consultation with one of our experts. We will discuss your research goals and help you design the best experimental approach.
- Project Scoping and Quotation: Based on your needs, we will provide you with a detailed project scope and a competitive price quotation.
- Order Placement: Once you are ready to proceed, you can place your order through our online iLab portal.
- Production and Quality Control: Our team will then produce your custom mRNA and/or LNPs, and perform rigorous quality control to ensure that they meet your specifications.
- Product Delivery: We will deliver your products to you in a timely manner, along with a detailed report of the quality control results.
- Post-delivery Support: We are available to provide ongoing support and troubleshooting to help you get the most out of our products.
Coming soon!
A new AI-powered platform (KAIR) that will streamline the design and optimization of your mRNA and LNP constructs. KAIR will provide you with cutting-edge tools to:
- Design highly efficient and stable mRNA sequences
- Optimize the formulation of your LNPs for targeted delivery
- Predict the immunogenicity of your mRNA constructs
Want to try something?
Are you new to the world of RNA and LNPs? Do you have a great idea for a project but lack the preliminary data to apply for a large grant? Our Seed Grant Program is designed for you! We offer seed grants on a quarterly basis to help researchers get their projects off the ground. Visit our Seed Grants page to learn more and to apply.