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ZENODO
Dataset . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
ZENODO
Dataset . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Dataset . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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Complexity, unpredictability and safety challenges of lipid nanoparticles

A multidisciplinary narrative review
Authors: Gutschi, Luz Maria; Seger, Falko;

Complexity, unpredictability and safety challenges of lipid nanoparticles

Abstract

The lipid nanoparticle (LNP) platform for delivering modified messenger RNA (modRNA) represents a transformative yet inherently complex and unpredictable technology. This narrative review synthesizes multidisciplinary evidence to explore the physicochemical basis, biological interactions, pharmacodynamic uncertainties, and safety challenges associated with LNPs and LNP-modRNA interactions. We describe how LNP self-assembly gives rise to variable structures with inconsistent modRNA payloads, as well as dynamic protein corona formation and aggregation phenomena that complicate the reliable characterization of these systems. After injection, LNPs undergo rapid biotransformation, including PEG-lipid shedding, biodistribution, and cellular uptake, which current analytical techniques cannot fully capture. Importantly, endosomal escape, which leads to the disruption of the endosome and the release of the payload, occurs within a narrow time window, is often inefficient, and results in inconsistent delivery. In addition, lipid metabolites, cell membrane modulation, and adduct formation raise poorly characterized safety questions. This review summarizes published evidence to inform future safety evaluations. It does not provide medical or clinical recommendations.

Keywords

safety, protein corona, unpredictability, mRNA Vaccines, drug interactions, lipid nanoparticles, endosomal escape

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    popularity
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    influence
    This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
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    This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average