Kimmunity Lab Is Live: Let the Research Begin

After months of planning, ordering, assembling, and troubleshooting, the Kimmunity Lab is officially up and running! Our space is now fully equipped to support our mission: advancing RNA-based therapeutics and immune engineering strategies to tackle cancer and beyond.

Setting up a lab from scratch has been both exhilarating and humbling. Each instrument isn’t just a tool—it’s a launchpad for discovery. With this infrastructure in place, we’re ready to dive into experiments, train students, and build collaborations across UT Austin and beyond.

Cold storage and cell banking: -80°C, -20°C, and 4°C units for sample stability, a large orbital shaker for bacterial growth, and liquid nitrogen storage for long-term preservation of our cell bank.

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LNP Station

At the heart of our delivery platform is a high-throughput lipid nanoparticle (LNP) synthesizer, enabling rapid, parallelized formulation of diverse lipid compositions and RNA payloads. We pair this with a combined ML-DLS/NanoDrop system, giving us quick readouts on particle size, uniformity, and RNA encapsulation—all with minimal hands-on time. This setup is designed to fuel large-scale screening efforts and data-driven optimization.

Our Unchained Labs Sunscreen + Stunner combo: high-throughput LNP synthesis and characterization with simultaneous RNA quantification and particle sizing—small volume, high speed, no fuss.

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RNA Station

Our dedicated RNA station supports end-to-end in vitro transcription (IVT) workflows. From linear template preparation to RNA purification and quantification, this bench is built for flexibility and throughput. We use a fragment analyzer to validate integrity and size distribution of every RNA batch before it heads into delivery or functional assays.

Our RNA station: a clean, dedicated space for high-quality in vitro transcription workflows—equipped with an AirClean 600 hood, dual thermocyclers, and an Agilent Fragment Analyzer for RNA integrity checks.

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Tissue Culture Room

Our fully equipped tissue culture suite is designed to support both immune cell work, as well as tumor co-cultures and mechanistic assays. With ample space for parallel experiments and a clean, organized layout, the room is already powering the first wave of experiments. We’ve also outfitted the space with a refrigerated centrifuge, automated cell counter, brightfield microscope, and bead bath, ensuring everything needed for high-quality cell-based experiments is within reach.

Our tissue culture room is fully equipped for immune cell work, featuring dual stacked incubators, CO₂ tanks with an auto-switch valve, and a dedicated refrigerator and supply rack.

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Looking Forward...

Kimmunity Lab members in action—focused at the LNP station where high-throughput formulation meets serious science.

The Kimmunity Lab is more than just a physical space—it's a growing community of curious minds united by a passion for innovation, discovery, and impact.

Let the research begin!