Verification of SAXS and SANS techniques for Matrix adjuvant product characterization

Purpose and goal:

The project goal is to evaluate and verify the usability of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) for characterization of Novavax Matrix adjuvant formulations. Matrix-M adjuvant consists of lipid nano particles with a unique perforated spherical structure. Matrix-M adjuvant is a key component of multiple human- and veterinary vaccine products.

Expected results and effects:

The results will allow Novavax to build in-house knowledge and competence around the techniques, and to evaluate the suitability of SAXS and SANS as characterization tools in product development. If the techniques are deemed suitable, they will add to the toolbox to characterize adjuvant lipid nano particle formulations and support product development.

The ambition is to publish scientifically relevant results with open access to contribute to research within the area of lipid self-assembly and characterization of lipid nano particles. Approach and implementation:

The project consortium consists of scientists and experts from Novavax, RISE AB and Chalmers University of Technology. SAXS experiments will be performed at the CoSAXS beamline at MAX IV Laboratory (Sweden), and SANS experiments at the ZOOM or Sans2D beamline at ISIS Laboratory (UK).