diff --git a/src/data/hptimelinedata.tsx b/src/data/hptimelinedata.tsx index cba7086869dd61eff3166c00e463b8ff9ad29840..f18f178330c1f5f3ba49b79ecaf505c6ee0141ec 100644 --- a/src/data/hptimelinedata.tsx +++ b/src/data/hptimelinedata.tsx @@ -72,6 +72,7 @@ const pics: { [key: string]: string } = { hammer: "https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/hp/hp-hammer.webp", johannfunke: "https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/hp/hp-michaeljohannfunke.webp", kühnel: "https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/photos/hp/hp-philippk-hnel.jpeg ", + moorlach: "https://static.igem.wiki/teams/5247/delivery/moorlach.webp ", }; /* { @@ -1296,6 +1297,26 @@ export const timelinedata: Array<TimelineDatenpunkt> = [ summary: "", months: "" }, - + { + title: "M.Sc.", + vorname: "Benjamin", + nachnname: "Moorlach", + pictureurl: pics['moorlach'], + tag: "Academia", + heading: "Gathering information about Chitosan coating for RNA protection", + interviewtabid: "moorlach", + cardtext: "", + language: "de", + quote: "", + aimofcontact: [<p>The aim of the contact with Benjamin Willem Moorlach, M.Sc., from the Department of Engineering and Mathematics, was to gain a deeper understanding of how Chitosan could be applied in lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) and to explore its potential role in our project. We had several questions focusing on the properties of Chitosan, its advantages and disadvantages, and how it could be integrated into LNPs. Benjamin Moorlach provided extensive insights into Chitosan’s interactions with RNA, its behavior, and how we might leverage it for our formulations. </p>], + insights: [<p>From our discussion, we gained valuable insights into the unique properties of Chitosan, a cationic polymer with significant potential to stabilize RNA. Notably, Chitosan offers strong protection against RNases, making it highly beneficial for formulations like lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs). Another key feature is its heat stability, withstanding temperatures up to 121°C, which makes it suitable for processing methods such as spray drying. However, at higher concentrations (0.5% or more), Chitosan can become toxic, suffocating cells and displaying antimicrobial properties. While it differs from PEG and cannot serve as a direct alternative, Chitosan can be a valuable complement, especially in stabilizing RNA within LNPs. + A critical point Benjamin emphasized is that Chitosan must be in an acidic environment, typically with a pH range of 4 to 6, to remain positively charged. This positive charge is essential for its effective interaction with RNA and successful integration into the LNP system. + One of the most important attributes of Chitosan is its ability to form complexes with RNA, offering a high degree of protection, which is crucial for the stability of LNP formulations. This characteristic makes Chitosan particularly advantageous in enhancing RNA stability during processes like spray drying. However, incorporating Chitosan directly into the lipid shell of LNPs poses challenges due to its hydrophilic nature and incompatible charge ratios, which prevent its use as an external coating on LNPs. Instead, it is more suitable for forming stable RNA-Chitosan complexes that can be encapsulated within the LNP structure, ensuring improved stability and protection.</p>], + implementation: [<p>We have integrated the information by primarily using Chitosan as an RNA stabilizer, rather than embedding it directly into the LNP lipid shell. Benjamin suggested forming Chitosan-RNA complexes first and then encapsulating them within LNPs to ensure the RNA remains stable and functional. For this, Chitosan with a low molecular weight (around 5 kDa) is ideal, as it helps produce smaller particles that can be efficiently encapsulated. + Additionally, Benjamin recommended starting with small-scale tests (about 100 µL) before moving to larger formulations. The ratio of RNA to Chitosan is key to creating negatively charged particles, and a 2:1 ratio should be maintained. We will verify successful encapsulation using microscopic analysis and gel electrophoresis. + This knowledge has directly shaped our approach to using Chitosan. Our focus is now on forming stable RNA-Chitosan complexes, which can be encapsulated in LNPs. We’ve also learned the importance of optimizing concentrations to prevent aggregation or toxicity while ensuring the particles stay within the desired nanometer range. Microscopy and electrophoresis will now be key methods in our protocol to confirm complete RNA encapsulation within the LNPs. </p>], + summary: "In summary, the insights from Benjamin’s expertise were crucial in shaping our understanding of how to integrate Chitosan into our LNP formulations. Chitosan’s protective abilities for RNA, along with its heat stability, make it a valuable component in our project. However, its hydrophilic and cationic nature presents challenges for direct integration into LNP lipid shells, so we are focusing on its use as an encapsulation for the RNA. Benjamin’s advice on concentrations, molecular weight, and complex formation gave us a clear path forward, which will be validated through experimental testing. ", + months: "" + } ]