High-throughput and high-content bioassay enables tuning of polyester nanoparticles for cellular uptake, endosomal escape, and systemic in vivo delivery of mRNA

Nanoparticle-based mRNA therapeutics hold great promise, but cellular internalization and endosomal escape remain key barriers for cytosolic delivery. We developed a dual nanoparticle uptake and endosomal disruption assay using high-throughput and high-content image-based screening. Using a genetically encoded Galectin 8 fluorescent fusion protein sensor, endosomal disruption could be detected via sensor clustering on damaged endosomal membranes. Simultaneously, nucleic acid endocytosis was quantified using fluorescently tagged mRNA. We used an array of biodegradable poly(beta-amino ester)s as well as Lipofectamine and PEI to demonstrate that this assay has higher predictive capacity for mRNA delivery compared to conventional polymer and nanoparticle physiochemical characteristics. Top nanoparticle formulations enabled safe and efficacious mRNA expression in multiple tissues following intravenous injection, demonstrating that the in vitro screening method is also predictive of in vivo performance. Efficacious nonviral systemic delivery of mRNA with biodegradable particles opens up new avenues for genetic medicine and human health.