MaxCyte Electroporation Enables The Efficient, Scalable Packaging Of CRISPR-Cas9 RNPs In Virus-Like Particles

Genome editing tools like CRISPR-Cas9 offer immense potential for treating human diseases. However, safe and efficient delivery to target cells remains a crucial challenge. While viral vectors can deliver these tools in vivo, they carry the risk of off-target editing due to prolonged nuclease expression.

Virus-like particles (VLPs), traditionally used for vaccines, have emerged as a promising alternative for transient, safe delivery of gene editing tools. VLPs mimic the structure and function of viruses, packaging proteins and nucleic acids without the ability to self-replicate. This safety advantage requires manufacturing through transgene delivery to cultured cells or in vitro self-assembly using purified proteins.

In this study, we present a rapid and scalable method for producing CRISPR-Cas9 VLPs with high editing activity using MaxCyte's cGMP-compliant electroporation technology. This approach is compatible with both adherent and suspension HEK293 cells, streamlining the manufacturing process.