A modular, adaptable drug-delivery platform from the University of Nottingham uses self-assembling building blocks that form RNA-delivery nanoparticles via a reversible host–guest linking system, allowing precise tuning of particle stability and behavior.

The platform enables safe, efficient delivery of a wide range of genetic medicines through modular components that self-assemble with RNA to form nanoscale delivery particles, with strong potential for rapid development of RNA-based therapies.

The work is published in Advanced Materials, with Professor Cameron Alexander among the team, and a contact is provided for more information.

The study highlights the platform’s potential to accelerate RNA vaccine development during outbreaks, improve RNA therapies in cancer, and broaden treatment options for various diseases.

The project is a collaborative effort among the University of Nottingham, Imperial College London, King’s College London, University College London, Aqdot Ltd, and Centillion Ltd.

Automated production methods meet stringent quality attributes for RNA vaccines and therapeutics, signaling potential for industrial scalability and rapid deployment.

These automated methods demonstrate industrial scalability and readiness for quick deployment of RNA-based medicines.

The study appears in Advanced Materials (Kopiasz et al., Modular supramolecular polycations enable efficient delivery of diverse RNA therapeutics and vaccines, 2026, e13315).

Experimental results show RNA-loaded nanoparticles deliver RNA across a broad range of cell types with efficacy comparable to or better than leading transfection reagents, and without acute cytotoxic effects.

Preclinical tests indicate efficient RNA delivery to diverse cell types, matching or surpassing leading reagents and showing no acute cellular harm.

Notes describe the Newcastle (Nottingham) team’s aim toward automated, scalable manufacturing and broad applicability across genetic medicines.

In vivo in mice, delivered RNAs reduced cancer-associated gene expression in breast tumor tissue and provided protection against H1N1 influenza, indicating therapeutic and preventive potential.