journal article·2026-05Open access

Innovative γ‐Oryzanol and KC2 Based Lipid Nanoparticles: OryKL Platform Provides Safe and Efficient In Vivo mRNA Delivery

Pengkai Shi, Haikun Liu, Ahmed Refaat, Hung Nguyen, Anne Nguyen, Kaiting Miao, Yuyang Song, Sylvain Trépout, Rico F. Tabor, Liliana de Campo, Karlheinz Peter, Mark Louis P. Vidallon, Xiaowei Wang

Small· Volume 22· Issue 26

Abstract

ABSTRACT mRNA nanotherapeutics hold immense potential for treating a wide range of diseases, but their widespread clinical adoption is limited by current lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery platforms, which frequently face challenges such as limited biocompatibility, immunogenic response, insufficient mRNA delivery efficacy and stringent cold‐chain requirements. In this study, we systematically screened a 20‐member lipid mixture library by substituting ionizable lipids and sterol components to identify formulations with improved physicochemical and biological profiles. A lead candidate combining γ‐oryzanol and DLin‐KC2‐DMA as LNPs, termed OryKL (or KO 12 LNPs), was identified, exhibiting spherical bleb‐type and core–shell nanostructures (∼150 nm), high mRNA encapsulation, and significantly enhanced in vitro transfection efficiency compared to cholesterol‐based controls. Intravenous administration of OryKL delivered Cre recombinase mRNA effectively across multiple organs in Ai9 reporter mice, resulting in distinct cell‐level tropism, and no detectable toxicity or inflammation, as confirmed via qPCR, organ histology, hematological assessment and liver function tests. Additionally, OryKL retained transfection potency for at least 60 days in lyophilized form with 20% (w/v) sucrose, supporting ambient‐stable storage. These findings establish γ‐oryzanol as a promising sterol alternative and position OryKL as a biocompatible, effective, and storage‐stable platform for next‐generation mRNA therapeutics.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: RNA Interference and Gene Delivery · Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery · RNA Research and Splicing

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Centre For Cardiometabolic mRNA Therapy Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute Melbourne Victoria Australia

Molecular Imaging and NanoTherapeutics Laboratory Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute Melbourne Victoria Australia

Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia

Atherothrombosis and Vascular Biology Laboratory Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute Melbourne Victoria Australia

School of Translational Medicine Monash University Melbourne Victoria Australia

Ramaciotti Centre for Cryo‐Electron Microscopy Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia

School of Chemistry Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia

BioPRIA Department of Chemical Engineering Monash University Clayton Victoria Australia

Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) Lucas Heights New South Wales Australia

Baker Department of Cardiovascular Research Translation and Implementation La Trobe University Bundoora Victoria Australia

Funding

National Heart Foundation of Australia · National Health and Medical Research Council · Australian Institute of Nuclear Science and Engineering · Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation

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