mRNA vaccines, such as those developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, use nanotechnology to deliver genetic instructions to cells. These instructions prompt the cells to produce the spike protein found on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The immune system then recognizes this protein as foreign and mounts an immune response. The mRNA is encapsulated within lipid nanoparticles, which protect it from degradation and facilitate its entry into cells.
