Australia's AIBN Launches New Protocol to Advance mRNA Research

The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) at the University of Queensland has unveiled a groundbreaking protocol aimed at enhancing the accessibility of mRNA research globally. Launched on June 11, 2025, this initiative positions Queensland as a leader in mRNA science, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic where mRNA technologies have gained prominence in vaccine development.

The new protocol, which is now publicly available, offers a comprehensive, step-by-step guide for researchers to produce research-grade mRNA. This includes processes for sequence design, synthesis, formulation, and quality control. Professor Tim Mercer, the Director of AIBN’s BASE Facility—Australia's largest manufacturer of mRNA—stated, “Our new protocol will accelerate the development and evaluation of potential mRNA-based therapies, so that now the smallest of labs can contribute to global efforts.” The BASE Facility has been instrumental in generating thousands of mRNA samples for research labs across Australia since its inception in 2021.

According to a statement by Associate Professor Seth Cheetham, Deputy Director of the BASE Facility, the protocol is designed to democratize access to mRNA production, allowing scientists to develop their own mRNA candidates more easily and affordably. “Until now, producing high-quality mRNA has largely been limited to specialized facilities like BASE,” Cheetham explained. The new framework aims to remove technical and logistical barriers that previously hindered smaller laboratories from engaging in mRNA research.

The protocol was developed in response to an invitation from *Nature Protocols*, a leading scientific journal, which sought to create a global resource to facilitate mRNA production. The demand for such a resource was evident, as researchers worldwide expressed a desire to advance this technology. The AIBN team anticipates that this publicly available protocol will evolve through global collaborative efforts, enhancing its efficacy over time.

Moreover, the release of mRNArchitect, an in-house developed design software, will further assist researchers in navigating the complexities of mRNA design. Cheetham noted that the software is crucial given the vast design space for mRNA molecules. “There are many different ways to design an mRNA – there are more ways to design it than there are atoms in the universe,” he commented.

The implications of this protocol extend beyond academia; they signal a significant step toward improving public health outcomes. The potential applications of mRNA technology are vast, with researchers exploring treatments for infectious diseases, chronic illnesses, and even cancer. Professor Mercer emphasized the importance of collaboration in this field: “With contributions from researchers around the world, the protocol will only get stronger and more refined over time.”

As AIBN continues to expand its capabilities, it aims to support a growing pipeline of preclinical vaccines and therapies in Australia. This initiative underscores the commitment to collaboration and knowledge-sharing to address some of society’s most pressing health challenges. The full protocol is published in *Nature Protocols* and is accessible to researchers globally, marking a pivotal moment in the democratization of mRNA technology for next-generation medicine development.