Understanding How mRNA Vaccines Are Produced

Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines represent one of the most significant advancements in modern medicine. These vaccines use lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to safely deliver genetic instructions that teach the body’s immune system how to fight diseases. Behind the scenes, Chrom Tech’s HPLC pumps play a crucial role in the precision-controlled processes required to create these lipid-based delivery systems.

HPLC Pumps in Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) Production

Although Chrom Tech is best known for chromatography instrumentation and consumables, our HPLC pumps are also trusted in a variety of non-chromatographic process applications. Many of these pumps are used in industrial and pharmaceutical settings that require consistent, high-precision liquid flow—operating continuously 24/7 for years without interruption.

Today, the same reliability that makes these pumps ideal for analytical chemistry has made them indispensable in the production of lipid nanoparticles used for mRNA vaccine manufacturing. These LNPs act as carriers, encapsulating and protecting the delicate mRNA strands that enable the body to build immunity.

Microfluidics and Lipid Nanoparticle Formation

Microfluidic technology is the backbone of lipid nanoparticle formation. It enables the controlled mixing of an organic phase containing lipids with an aqueous phase that carries the mRNA or other nucleic acids. Within a micromixer, the positively charged cationic lipids interact with negatively charged mRNA molecules, leading to highly efficient encapsulation.

By adjusting key parameters—such as the flow rate ratio (FRR) and total flow rate (TFR)—scientists can precisely define nanoparticle size and composition. High-throughput microfluidic systems can reach production speeds of up to 200 mL/min, reducing manufacturing time while ensuring batch-to-batch reproducibility (Roces et al., 2020).

Chrom Tech HPLC Pumps for LNP Manufacturing

Chrom Tech offers a robust line of dual-piston HPLC pumps capable of delivering steady flow rates up to 300 mL/min—ideal for microfluidic and process-scale applications. These pumps are available with a variety of wetted materials, including:

• Stainless steel for durability and pressure tolerance
• PEEK for biocompatible, non-metallic fluid paths
• Additional materials such as sapphire, ruby, ceramics, fluoropolymers, and UHMWPE

Our pumps provide the precise flow control necessary for consistent nanoparticle size and uniform encapsulation efficiency in lipid formulation processes. Stainless steel configurations are standard in many processing environments, while fully non-metallic PEEK models are preferred for biological or reactive media.

GMP-Compliant HPLC Pumps

Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards are essential in pharmaceutical production. Chrom Tech now offers a premium line of GMP-compliant HPLC pumps complete with material traceability certificates to meet quality assurance requirements.

• Certified documentation for all wetted components
• Stainless steel surfaces with ≤20 µ-inch Ra finish, typically achieved through electropolishing
• Polymer components manufactured from USP Class VI–certified, animal-free materials

We understand that GMP requirements vary by facility. For customized documentation or system validation support, please contact our technical support team to discuss your project needs.

Reliable Operation in Continuous Flow Applications

Chrom Tech HPLC pumps are engineered for rugged, long-term performance in constant-flow applications. Designed with easy access to external pump heads, users can service commonly replaced parts quickly without interrupting system uptime. Every pump includes our signature Self-Flush feature, extending seal life and improving reliability over years of operation.

For more guidance on maintenance, see our related article: HPLC Pump Care and Troubleshooting.

Proven Performance in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Chrom Tech pumps have been trusted in production environments for more than two decades. For instance, a facility manufacturing polysulfone fibers for medical filtration applications has operated Chrom Tech pumps continuously—24/7/365—for over 20 years. When the plant expanded in 2017, the same pumps were chosen again for their unmatched reliability and service support.

“We can trust that the Chrom Tech pumps are consistent every time. The products are reliable, but the real reason we continue working with Chrom Tech is the service—responsive, knowledgeable, and dependable.”
— Cody Bullis, Equipment Maintenance Supervisor, Cantel Medical

Conclusion

From chromatography research to full-scale pharmaceutical manufacturing, Chrom Tech’s HPLC pumps offer the precision, durability, and compliance required for critical applications like mRNA vaccine production. With options in stainless steel, PEEK, and GMP-certified configurations, our pumps are engineered to support your workflow from development through scale-up.

To learn more about our HPLC pump configurations or request a quote, visit Chrom Tech Pumps or email support@chromtech.com.

Reference: Roces, C. B. et al. “Manufacturing Considerations for the Development of Lipid Nanoparticles Using Microfluidics.” MDPI Pharmaceutics, 2020. www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/12/11/1095