Extend the reach of your lipid nanoparticle delivery system with surface-functionalized LNP. Our custom targeted lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation service allows researchers to direct LNP toward specific cell types through ligand conjugation, using antibodies, nanobodies, peptides, or small-molecule targeting moieties.
Whether your goal is to reach immune cells, tumor cells, or a specific receptor population, our team works with you to define the optimal conjugation chemistry and formulation parameters for your application.
Targeted LNP service workflow
Our targeted LNP service follows the same core process as our custom LNP formulation service, with one additional step: Ligand-LNP Conjugation. For full details on each stage, visit our LNP workflow.
Our team is at your service to guide you toward the right strategy for your project.
LNP Design
We design custom-tailored LNPs for your desired cargo with our patented lipids to meet your project needs.
LNP Manufacturing
We use jet mixing method to manufacture your LNPs in a highly reproducible, precise and controlled manner with high encapsulation efficiency (>80%).
Ligand-LNP Conjugaison
We offer flexible targeting strategies through ligand conjugation to LNP surface. Compatible with antibodies, peptides, and small-molecule targeting ligands.
Maleimide Chemistry
- Maleimide-LNP + Sulfhydryl-Ab → Ab-LNP
- Maleimide-LNP + Peptide-Cys → Peptide-LNP
Azide Chemistry
- Azide-LNP + DBCO-Ab → Ab-LNP
- Azide-LNP + DBCO-Peptide → Peptide-LNP
Downstream Process
We formulate stabilized LNP in neutral pH after purification and sterilization.
Quality Control
We check the resulting LNPs for quality by doing a complete physico-chemical characterization.
We ship your fully custom-made LNPs in 2 to 3 weeks.
GET A QUOTEDiscuss your research needs
Targeted LNP data
Antibody-Targeted LNP (aCD3) improve cellular uptake in unactivated PBMC
Figure 1: Transfection results of unactivated PBMC with non-targeted LNP (LNP) and aCD3 targeted LNP (tLNP) containing DiD as a fluorescent marker with the percentage of DiD+ cells and the resulting DiD intensity.
LNP grafting capability
For applications requiring cell-type specific delivery, we offer two complementary conjugation strategies to functionalize the LNP surface with targeting agents such as antibodies, nanobodies, or peptides.
Maleimide chemistry and Azide-based click chemistry both rely on grafting the targeting moiety onto functionalized PEG layer at the surface of the LNP.
The maleimide approach is more appropriate for proteins or peptides that naturally or artificially contain a free cysteine, as opposed to the azide approach, wich requires DBCO modification of the molecule of interest.
The choice between maleimide and azide chemistry typically depends on the nature and accessibility of the reactive groups on your targeting molecule.
LNP targeting: Maleimide and Azide chemistry
The following examples illustrate the conjugation protocol for each chemistry.
The first approach uses Maleimide-LNPs. In this example, the customer provides an antibody with accessible amine groups. A SATA crosslinker is used to introduce a protected thiol group on the antibody. After a deprotection step, the free thiol reacts selectively with the maleimide group displayed on the LNP surface, a reaction known as SATA-Maleimide conjugation. This is a robust and well-established thiol-maleimide chemistry, particularly suited for antibodies and proteins with accessible amine residues.
The second approach uses Azide-LNPs. Here, the antibody is modified with a DBCO group using an NHS-DBCO crosslinker. This DBCO group then reacts spontaneously and specifically with the azide group displayed on the LNP surface, proceeds without catalyst, and is fully biocompatible.
Both strategies allow for efficient and stable conjugation of the targeting moiety to the PEG layer of the LNP, without compromising particle integrity or cargo encapsulation.
Technical Resources
- LNP Stability Note - Download
- White Paper : Ionizable lipids for mRNA-LNP and siRNA-LNP - Read
- LNP F.A.Q - Read
Explore our Webinar on LNP Platform, from ionizable lipid design to targeted delivery
Discover an overview of our LNP design principles, proprietary ionizable lipids, quality control, and comprehensive in vitro & in vivo performance data, including our custom LNP service with targeting capabilities.
WatchCustom Targeted LNP FAQ
You can easily request a quote by filling out our dedicated form available here. Within the form, simply complete the standard sections along with the "Targeted LNP" section, specifying the type of targeting ligand you wish to use.
If you need further guidance or would like to discuss your project and specific requirements with our technical team, feel free to contact us — we will be happy to arrange a meeting at your convenience.
Once the mRNA or nucleic acid cargo is ready, our targeted LNP production process typically takes 2 to 3 weeks: approximately one week for production and one week for quality control. If custom mRNA synthesis is also required, please allow an additional 8 weeks for mRNA production prior to LNP formulation.
Each LNP batch undergoes a comprehensive quality control workflow including particle size and PDI measurement by DLS, zeta potential analysis, encapsulation efficiency determination by fluorescent assay, and mRNA concentration measurement. The sterility is also assessed by incubating the LNPs in culture medium for 14 days. For superior grade products, endotoxin testing and cholesterol content quantification are additionally performed.
Please refer to our LNP quoting tool to select the QC level that best fits your project requirements.
Discover our other custom services
Custom mRNA Synthesis Service
OZ Biosciences offers mRNAs that mimic fully processed mature mRNAs.
These mRNAs are stabilized with 5’ Cap 1 structure and 3’ poly(A) tail and are...
Custom saRNA Synthesis Service
Self-amplifying RNAs (saRNAs) also called “Replicons” are the next generation of RNA vaccines.
Their advantage over conventional mRNA vaccine platforms relies on the viral replication machinery,...