mRNA design
BASE scientists have developed mRNArchitect for the design and optimisation of mRNA medicines. The algorithm integrates codon optimisation, nucleotide composition, and secondary structure prediction to maximise mRNA expression and stability.
Alongside mRNArchitect, we maintain a curated library of validated regulatory elements, including UTRs, signal peptides, and transmembrane domains, available to incorporate into any mRNA design.
mRNArchitect has been experimentally benchmarked against leading design tools, demonstrating superior performance across a range of applications and cell types.
Cell-free mRNA manufacture
The Bicycle reaction is a novel single-step, isothermal process developed by BASE scientists for the cell-free synthesis of high-quality mRNA.
By coupling in vitro transcription and reverse transcription in a single cyclical amplification, the Bicycle reaction generates exponentially amplified mRNA from a minimal starting template — eliminating the need for complex, multi-step manufacturing workflows.
This makes the Bicycle reaction ideally suited to the rapid production of personalised mRNA medicines.
Targeted LNP delivery
Achieving targeted delivery of mRNA–LNPs to specific cells and tissues is one of the central challenges in mRNA medicine.
BASE researchers have addressed this by developing a bispecific antibody platform that directs mRNA–LNPs to surface receptors on target cells. Adaptable by design, the platform can be configured to engage a broad range of cellular receptors — enabling precise, selective delivery across diverse tissues and cell types.
Nanopore sequencing of mRNA medicines
BASE collaborates with Oxford Nanopore Technologies to develop advanced sequencing tools for mRNA therapeutics.
Direct RNA sequencing enables single-molecule characterisation of mRNA medicines, providing detailed analysis of sequence identity, 5′-capping efficiency, poly-A tail length, transcript integrity, and purity.
This supports real-time assessment of critical quality attributes throughout mRNA manufacture.
Our research laboratories
BASE partners with academic, clinical, and industry collaborators to advance mRNA technologies and develop new mRNA medicines. Our team leads research spanning mRNA design, manufacturing, LNP formulation, quality control, and preclinical development.
Our research laboratories are located at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland. Here, our researchers work across mRNA design, manufacturing, delivery, and analytics, while training the next generation of mRNA scientists at undergraduate, postgraduate, and postdoctoral levels.
Enquiries
Our team is available to help with your mRNA projects.