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Blueprint for QC Ready mRNA Mapping

By 03.12.2026

mRNA therapeutics demand analytical methods that are fast, reproducible, and ready for scale.

Hand placing a missing piece into a white jigsaw puzzle.

Through a long-standing collaboration with Professor Mark Dickman and the University of Sheffield, Thermo Fisher Scientific is helping define a new standard for automated mRNA sequence mapping.

The Sheffield team has pioneered controlled partial RNase digestion strategies and online 2D LC workflows that enable up to 98 percent sequence coverage in less than 60 minutes.

Combining novel university research with Thermo Scientific leading product portfolio enables a fully automated mRNA mapping workflow; from controlled digestion with the Thermo Scientific KingFisher Duo Prime Purification System and SMART Digest RNase Kits to high-resolution analysis on the Thermo Scientific Vanquish LC system, DNAPac RP columns, Orbitrap Exploris mass spectrometers, and data processing in Thermo Scientific BioPharma Finder software.

Workflow of Thermo Scientific tools from RNA kits to UHPLC, mass spectrometry, and software.

Learn more about the enabling technologies:

The team also developed bespoke visualization tools that transform complex LC MS data into clear sequence maps, reducing analysis time from hours to minutes.

Together, this work provides a practical path from research to quality control, supporting identity confirmation, capping efficiency, and poly A analysis in a single automated platform.

Read the peer reviewed publications underpinning this work:

This collaboration shows how academic innovation, powered by integrated Thermo Fisher technology, is accelerating mRNA research and enabling the next generation of RNA medicines.

Check out the full case study:
Blueprint for QC-Ready mRNA Mapping with Thermo Fisher and the University of Sheffield

Or you can watch Professor Dickman’s webinar on the topic:
Multi-Attribute Monitoring of mRNA Medicines

Visit us on LinkedIn: #mRNA #RNATherapeutics #MassSpectrometry #Biopharma


Chris Knowles

Chris Knowles began his career with a PhD in mammalian cell line engineering and over a decade as a Principal Scientist and applications specialist in biopharma and bioprocessing. With deep expertise in software solutions for LC-MS, MS/MS, and advanced mass spectrometry techniques, he focuses on biologics production and analytics, including emerging areas like gene therapy, oligonucleotide therapeutics, and viral vectors. Now, as a Product Marketing Manager for BioPharma Software at Thermo Fisher Scientific, Chris is dedicated to helping customers overcome analytical challenges by delivering powerful, compliant, and user-friendly software solutions.