Freezing temperature of vaccines

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the storage temperatures of COVID-19 vaccines, specifically addressing why the mRNA-containing nano droplets do not freeze at temperatures between -20°C and -70°C. Participants explore the implications of freezing and melting on the stability of mRNA and the nature of the liquid holding the droplets.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why the nano droplets containing mRNA and spike proteins do not freeze at low temperatures, suggesting a need for clarification on the composition of the vaccine.
  • Another participant emphasizes that the freezing point of the solution is not the main concern, but rather the stability of the RNA molecules, which are susceptible to degradation.
  • A third participant provides specific storage guidelines for the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, indicating that it is stored frozen and highlighting the importance of protecting the vials from light.
  • One participant raises concerns about whether the freezing and subsequent melting of the liquid could damage the mRNA, questioning if the freezing temperature of the liquid matches that of the droplets.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of freezing and melting on mRNA stability, and there is no consensus on the effects of temperature on the nano droplets and the liquid medium.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various storage temperatures and conditions, but there are unresolved questions regarding the interactions between the freezing process and the stability of the mRNA within the droplets.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying vaccine storage, mRNA technology, and the stability of biological molecules under extreme conditions.

hagopbul
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TL;DR
Asking about the nano droplets and freezing temperature of liquid that holding it
Hello all:

I have this question , as we all watch the vaccine of Covid-19 reach the market I had this question if the storage temperature of this vaccine is between -20 c to -70c

Why the nano droplets in this liquid do not create ice the liquid is not freezing under that conditions although it is full of nano droplets contains mRNA and spike proteins

What did they use ?

Best
H.B.
 
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The issue is not the freezing point of the solution, but the stability of the RNA molecules. mRNA molecules are designed to be short lived and are therefore very susceptible to degradation (the sugar-phosphate backbone is capable of binding to and activating common metal ions, like Mg++, to catalyze the degradation of the RNA molecule). It is very common in laboratories to store RNA at -70°C (e.g. see the "How to Store RNA" section of the website below):
https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/...nzymes/general-articles/working-with-rna.html
 
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From https://www.fda.gov/media/144637/download
Storage Prior to Use
As Displayed on the Vial Labels and Cartons:
The Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine multiple-dose vials are stored frozen between -25º to -15ºC (-13º to 5ºF). Store in the original carton to protect from light.

Additional Storage Information Not Displayed on the Vial Labels and Cartons:
Do not store on dry ice or below -40ºC (-40ºF). Vials can be stored refrigerated between 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F) for up to 30 days prior to first use.
Unpunctured vials may be stored between 8° to 25°C (46° to 77°F) for up to 12 hours
.Do not refreeze once thawed.
It seems that they are fully frozen.
 
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are the freezing , then melting of the liquid is effecting the nano droplet that enclose the rna , wouldn't that melting do or better say damage the mRNA

do the liquid that hold the droplets have the same freezing temperature of the droplets or they do not freeze ?
 

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