Protocol for formulation and evaluation of phytosterol-based lipid nanoparticles as cholesterol alternatives for mRNA delivery

We present a protocol for formulating and evaluating lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) that incorporate the plant-derived sterols ginsenoside Rg2 and protopanaxadiol (PPD) as substitutes for cholesterol. The protocol describes mRNA preparation, manual mRNA-LNP encapsulation, and physicochemical characterization. We further detail in vitro and in vivo procedures to evaluate mRNA delivery efficiency. This protocol provides a robust and cost-effective platform for efficient mRNA delivery. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Park et al.<sup>1</sup>.

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Publication Details

Journal
STAR Protocols
Published
2026-02-26
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xpro.2026.104392
Primary Topic
RNA Interference and Gene Delivery
Type
article
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article

Protocol for formulation and evaluation of phytosterol-based lipid nanoparticles as cholesterol alternatives for mRNA delivery

Seung-Yeul Lee, Jaewook Lee, Sungwhan An, Jae Hoon Kim et al.
STAR Protocols
RNA Interference and Gene Delivery
article

Protocol for formulation and evaluation of phytosterol-based lipid nanoparticles as cholesterol alternatives for mRNA delivery

Seung-Yeul Lee, Jaewook Lee, Sungwhan An, Jae Hoon Kim, Jun Hyeong Hong
article en

Abstract

We present a protocol for formulating and evaluating lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) that incorporate the plant-derived sterols ginsenoside Rg2 and protopanaxadiol (PPD) as substitutes for cholesterol. The protocol describes mRNA preparation, manual mRNA-LNP encapsulation, and physicochemical characterization. We further detail in vitro and in vivo procedures to evaluate mRNA delivery efficiency. This protocol provides a robust and cost-effective platform for efficient mRNA delivery. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Park et al.<sup>1</sup>.

STAR ProtocolsVol. 7(1)
Genome Research Foundation (KR), Genome and Company (South Korea) (KR)
Zero hunger
Openalex Percentile: Top 42%
RNA Interference and Gene Delivery
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Protocol for formulation and evaluation of phytosterol-based lipid nanoparticles as cholesterol alternatives for mRNA delivery — Seung-Yeul Lee, Jaewook Lee, et al. · STAR Protocols (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS