NI LAB
NUS Diagnostic Radiology
NI LAB
Our research focuses on creating innovative nanotechnolgies for RNA therapy and immunoengineering (RNA vaccines, cell therapies, gene editing).
Recent Highlights
Dermal fibroblast-targeted trans-amplifying RNA nanotherapeutics for skin extracellular matrix regeneration
Apr 7, 2026 Impact factor: 11.5
Cui et al. developed a dermal fibroblast–targeted lipid nanoparticle (LNP) platform for the delivery of trans-amplifying RNA (taRNA) encoding collagen to drive extracellular matrix (ECM) regeneration. This strategy addresses a central limitation in skin repair, where disruption of the fibroblast–ECM axis leads to collagen loss and structural deterioration, while existing therapies rely on indirect fibroblast stimulation with limited durability. By enabling selective RNA delivery to fibroblasts, the engineered LNPs achieved robust and sustained collagen expression for up to 7 days following a single intradermal administration. In UVB-induced photoaging models, this system restored type I collagen deposition, normalized the collagen I/III ratio, improved ECM organization, and reduced wrinkle formation. In wound healing models, taRNA-loaded LNPs accelerated tissue closure, enhanced fibroblast migration, and promoted de novo collagen synthesis. Histological and biochemical analyses further confirmed effective tissue remodeling with minimal local or systemic toxicity. Collectively, this work establishes a targeted taRNA nanotherapeutic platform with strong potential for applications in aesthetic dermatology and the treatment of skin disorders.
Read more in Journal of Controlled Release.
Rational design of rigid mRNA folding architecture to enhance intracellular processing and protein production
Mar 2, 2026 Impact factor: 34.9
Yang et al. developed a metal-ion-assisted RNA folding (MARF) strategy to enhance mRNA therapeutic efficacy by modulating tertiary RNA structures. When formulated within lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), specific metal ions promoted favorable mRNA folding architectures, resulting in up to a 7.3-fold increase in protein expression compared with unmodified mRNA. Mechanistically, MARF altered the mechanical interactions between mRNA-loaded LNPs and the biological environment, enhancing intracellular processing and prolonging mRNA retention in target cells. Following intravenous administration, MARF-LNPs enabled efficient and durable genome editing of the Pcsk9 gene with a single dose. This metal-assisted folding platform offers a novel approach to improving mRNA delivery and therapeutic performance by leveraging structural and mechanical cues in nanoparticle design.
Read more in Nature Nanotechnology.
Dendrimer engineering to overcome delivery challenges of nucleic acids
Jul 18, 2025 Impact factor: 37.6
Ni et al. reported dendrimers as precisely engineered macromolecular nanoplatforms for addressing key delivery challenges in nucleic acid therapeutics. Leveraging their highly symmetric architecture and tunable multivalency, dendrimer systems enable efficient nucleic acid encapsulation, protection, and controlled cellular interactions. These structural features facilitate targeted delivery to hard-to-transfect cell types and improved access to difficult-to-reach tissues. Mechanistically, advances in dendrimer generation control and surface functionalization enhance cellular uptake, endosomal escape, and intracellular trafficking of nucleic acids. Collectively, these design innovations position dendrimers as a promising and versatile strategy for improving the efficacy of nucleic acid–based therapies.
Read more in Nature Reviews Bioengineering.