
Emerging Uses for Osmolality
This novel field involves the use of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), aptamers, siRNAs, miRNAs and synthetic mRNAs to control the expression of genes that have been associated with diseases. Multiple Advanced Instruments customers within this field use osmometers to verify the concentration of the solutions carrying their precious products.Ultimately, the quality of the drug is dependent on the process controls implemented throughout the workflow.
Supporting Innovative Technology
Because oglio manufacturing is an emerging field, it comes with a number of development and application challenges:
- Delivery of RNAs across the lipid bilayer and into cells
- Immunogenicity once in the body
- High rates of degradation of oligos by plasma and tissues
Drug delivery into the target cells requires the proper osmotic pressure, similar to the parameters around viral transfection in vector development. The optimal osmolality of the delivery complex (e.g. mRNA:PEI) should be determined and monitored during this process. This specification will provide repeatable successful delivery of the drug.

References
- Pardi, N., Hogan, M., Porter, F. et al. mRNA vaccines — a new era in vaccinology. Nat Rev Drug Discov 17, 261–279 (2018)
- Poveda C, Biter AB, Bottazzi ME, Strych U. Establishing Preferred Product Characterization for the Evaluation of RNA Vaccine Antigens. Vaccines (Basel). 2019 Sep 27;7(4). pii: E131.
Current Applications of Osmolality in Oligonucleotide Manufacturing and Development
As the field of oligonucleotides continues to develop the uses of osmolality continue to grow. Below are some of the current uses for osmolality testing in this field:


The system has excellent accuracy and precision, even between different analysts. The great thing about the XT model is that it can measure a broad range of sample osmolality to cover all of our sample needs.
Will Heaton, DiscGenics
Popular Educational Resources
Learn more about how our osmometers can be utilized to optimize your workflows by checking out our educational resources below
Associated Products

OsmoTECH® XT Single-Sample Micro-Osmometer
Best-in-class osmolality performance, designed for the toughest samples

OsmoTECH® PRO Multi-Sample Micro-Osmometer
Combines ease-of-use with accurate and precise measurements for reliable results

Bioprocessing Services
Get the best performance from your osmometer from the people who designed and built it. We provide a range of services and service plans to meet the different needs of our customers.
Our certified Field Service Engineers provide on-site professional support for the installation, training, validation, and maintenance of your osmometers.