Layer-by-layer self-assembly vectors for gene delivery

The success of gene therapy largely relies on the development of high-efficient and low-toxic gene delivery vectors. Nanovector-based delivery of nucleic acids is a very promising approach for the effective transfer of genetic materials into cells. Compared with encapsulating of nucleic acids inside biodegradable nanoparticles which often suffers from low encapsulation efficiency and degradation of the loaded therapeutic gene, the layer-by-layer self-assembly vectors prepared by the surface adsorption of gene/polycation multilayered films on colloidal particles using layer-by-layer technique are a potent gene delivery system in offering efficient loading of nucleic acids, controlling the release of the loaded gene in physiological environment and targeting to a particular site or a specific cell type in the body. This review focuses on the preparation, advantages, application and the probable associated drawbacks of layer-by-layer self-assembly vectors for gene delivery.