UAlbany Unveils Laser Method for mRNA Drug Testing

Researchers develop a non-destructive technique to analyze mRNA encapsulation in lipid nanoparticles.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Researchers at the University at Albany have developed a new method using Raman spectroscopy, a non-destructive laser technique, to analyze the chemical composition of materials and determine whether mRNA is properly encapsulated inside lipid nanoparticles. This could help ensure the safety and effectiveness of mRNA vaccines and therapeutics.

Why it matters

mRNA therapeutics have emerged as a powerful tool for treating a wide range of diseases, but their clinical success depends on overcoming issues of instability and delivery. The new Raman spectroscopy technique offers a way to rapidly evaluate the integrity of mRNA packaging, which is crucial for optimizing formulations to improve both safety and effectiveness.

The details

The researchers are using a specialized deep ultraviolet (deep-UV) Raman instrument to directly analyze mRNA molecules in vaccine samples. Combining this with advanced statistical analysis, they have created a quantitative method for ensuring the mRNA is properly protected in lipid nanoparticles. Current methods often require breaking apart vaccine samples, which is both destructive and time-consuming, but the Raman spectroscopy technique is instantaneous and preserves the sample for future testing.

  • The research was recently published in Analytical Chemistry in February 2026.

The players

Igor Lednev

A chemist at the University at Albany who is leading the development of the Raman spectroscopy technique.

Alexander Shekhtman

A professor in UAlbany's Department of Chemistry and researcher at the RNA Institute, who is a collaborator on the project.

Sila Jin

A researcher from Kangwon National University in South Korea who received a two-year training grant to conduct collaborative research at UAlbany.

Young Mee Jung

The director of the Institute for Molecular Science and Fusion Technology at Kangwon National University in South Korea, who is partnering with UAlbany on this project.

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What they’re saying

“mRNA therapeutics have emerged as a powerful tool for treating a wide range of diseases, but their clinical success depends on overcoming issues of instability and delivery.”

— Igor Lednev, Chemist, University at Albany (Analytical Chemistry)

“Intact lipid nanoparticles are not very stable and are difficult to characterize by existing techniques. Raman spectroscopy allows us to analyze mRNA inside lipid nanoparticles without damaging it. This means we can optimize formulations to improve both safety and effectiveness.”

— Alexander Shekhtman, Professor, University at Albany Department of Chemistry (Analytical Chemistry)

What’s next

The researchers plan to continue developing and refining the Raman spectroscopy technique for use in quality control settings to evaluate mRNA therapeutics before release, as well as during the research and development stage.

The takeaway

This new Raman spectroscopy method represents an important advancement in supporting the development of safer and more effective mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutics, which have emerged as a transformative technology in modern medicine.