Life Sciences: Laboratory; Elective; 1.00 points - 20.12.26
https://erez.weizmann.ac.il/apx/r/ws1/186/30?pid=15929&pprev=0
Syllabus
Advancing molecular biology research and gene therapy with nucleic acid delivery by Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs) and Extracellular Vesicles (EVs)
Course organizers
- Avraham Dayan, PhD - Senior Staff Scientist, Multidisciplinary Vesicle Program, Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science
- Dmitri Tentler Ph.D. - The Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine (G-INCPM), HTS Unit, Weizmann Institute of Science
Instructors
- Dr. Avraham Dayan – Extracellular Vesicles & Nano-Analytical Platforms
- Dr. Dmitri Tentler – Lipid Nanoparticles & IVT-mRNA Synthesis
- Dr. Karin Broennimann – Lipid Nanoparticles & IVT-mRNA Synthesis
Course Schedule and Location
Year: 2027
Semester: First Semester
When / Where: 09:30 - 16:00, Benoziyo, room 290c
First Lecture: 20/12/2026
End date: 24/12/2026
Course Overview
Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs) and Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) are crucial tools in delivery of nucleic acids into cells and tissues and also have been used in pharmacologically centered applications. Thus, LNPs efficiently encapsulate and protect sensitive nucleic acids (mRNA, siRNA, plasmid DNA) and facilitate their delivery into cells, making them essential for molecular biology experiments and also for therapy. The mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are a prime clinical example of this technology.
In addition to the increased use of LNPs to deliver RNA for modulating gene expression, they have also been used to deliver gene-editing components, such as CRISPR-Cas modules, enabling molecular biologists to study gene functions and even develop the next wave of treatments for genetic diseases. LNPs are also versatile carriers for various hydrophobic therapeutic agents, improving drug stability, circulation time, and targeted delivery to specific tissues.
Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) are naturally secreted nanoscale particles that mediate intercellular communication by transferring proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids between cells. Derived from endosomal or plasma membrane pathways, EVs, including exosomes and microvesicles, reflect the physiological state of their parent cells and can be engineered or selectively enriched for therapeutic delivery. Their endogenous origin confers exceptional biocompatibility and targeting potential, positioning EVs as a biologically inspired alternative to synthetic delivery systems in molecular biology, diagnostic and gene therapy.
Overall, EVs and LNPs are superior to conventional transfection methods as they combine the high stability and large cargo capacity with the natural targeting capabilities and biocompatibility of cell-derived EVs, aiming for superior delivery efficiency and reduced toxicity in classical molecular biology experiments as well as for therapeutic applications.
Our laboratory course will provide a comprehensive theoretical and practical framework for understanding and implementing these two major delivery systems. The course combines lectures, protocol-focused discussions, and hands-on laboratory sessions, enabling participants to design and execute complete workflow, from mRNA synthesis via in vitro transcription (IVT) to nanoparticle production, biological enrichment, purification, single-particle characterization, and functional gene expression/silencing assays.
Finally, we will be comparing EVs to LNPs-based translational approaches, highlighting aspects such as biogenesis, scalability, and functional efficiency in gene delivery applications.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion, participants will be able to:
- Explain the molecular basis of EV biogenesis and LNP assembly as delivery systems for molecular biology experiments and therapeutic RNA.
- Perform in vitro transcription (IVT) for generating transfection-grade mRNA.
Students who would like to produce their own IVT RNA of interest are encouraged to contact us in advance. - Produce EVs and LNPs using ultracentrifugation, microfluidic assembly, and controlled formulation techniques.
- Conduct functional gene delivery experiments using mRNA (expression) and siRNA (silencing) assays.
- Apply EV/LNP purification and enrichment strategies.
- Perform nanoparticle characterization using various platforms.
- Critically evaluate the advantages and limitations of EVs versus LNPs in clinical translation and regulatory contexts.
Prerequisites
Participants are expected to have:
- Basic background in molecular biology, genetics, or biotechnology.
- Previous hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture.
- Familiarity with qPCR and fluorescence microscopy (optional).
Daily Schedule Format
The course will be held between 20-24/12/26 09:30-16:00 as follows:
20/12/26 - 9:30-11:00 - Room 290, Benoziyo Biochemistry building: https://map.weizmann.ac.il/#ctdl-UMAP_2016030796281,BLD_2017041958517
11:00-13:30, lunch break and travel to the Science Park
13:30-16:00, practical wet-lab and instrumentation session, teaching laboratories, Stratasys Building, Science Park
21/12/26 - 9:30-11:00 - WSoS Room B
11:00-13:30, lunch break and travel to the Science Park
13:30-16:00, practical wet-lab and instrumentation session, teaching laboratories, Stratasys Building, Science Park
22/12/26 - 9:30-11:00 - WSoS Room B
11:00-13:30, lunch break and travel to the Science Park
13:30-16:00, practical wet-lab and instrumentation session, teaching laboratories, Stratasys Building, Science Park
23/12/26 - 9:30-11:00 - Room 290, Benoziyo Biochemistry building
11:00-13:30, lunch break and travel to the Science Park
13:30-16:00, practical wet-lab and instrumentation session, teaching laboratories, Stratasys Building, Science Park
24/12/26 - 9:30-11:00 - Room 290, Benoziyo Biochemistry building
11:00-13:30, lunch break and travel to the Science Park
13:30-16:00, practical wet-lab and instrumentation session, teaching laboratories, Stratasys Building, Science Park
Participants are expected to have:
Basic background in molecular biology, genetics, or biotechnology.
Previous hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture.
Familiarity with qPCR and fluorescence microscopy (optional).
Restrictions\Participants - 12
Language of Instruction - English
Attendance and participation - Required in at least 80% of the lectures
Grade Type - Numerical (out of 100)
Grade Breakdown (in %):
Attendance 15%
Interim 25%
Final 60%
Evaluation Type - Final assignment
Closing Statement
This course delivers a unique comparative framework between biological and synthetic nanocarriers for gene therapy applications. By integrating EV and LNP systems within a single structured curriculum, participants gain a dual technical and analytical skill set aligned with current academic and translational standards. The methodological alignment with MISEV guidelines and clinical nanoparticle release criteria ensures that participants leave with a perspective applicable to both research and regulated development environments.