Unveiling the Molecular Dynamics of RNA Drug Delivery with Cationic Polymers

LMU researchers, led by **Professor Olivia Merkel**, have delved into the molecular organization of **cationic polymers** when used for **RNA drug delivery**. Cationic polymers, like lipid nanocarriers, are pivotal for transporting RNA therapeutics, such as mRNA vaccines, by effectively shielding their cargo and ensuring targeted delivery to cells. The research, part of Merkel's **ERC project RatInhalRNA**, aims to enhance these carriers or 'gene ferries' by understanding their molecular organization, encapsulation, and release mechanisms. Published in **Nano Letters**, the study uses **coarse-grained molecular dynamics (CG-MD)** and **nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)** to investigate how polymer structure and environmental changes affect particle formation. Through simulations and wet lab experiments, the study provides valuable insights into the behavior of RNA nanoparticles, showcasing CG-MD's capability to predict and explain RNA nano-formulation properties and assisting in designing improved systems for future medical applications.