Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026

Chitosan/Interfering RNA Nanoparticle Mediated Gene Silencing in Disease Vector Mosquito Larvae
Published on: March 25, 2015
Polyethylenimine and chitosan carriers for the delivery of RNA interference effectors
Roberto Molinaro1, Joy Wolfram, Cinzia Federico
1University 'Magna Graecia' of Catanzaro, Health Sciences , Via 'S. Venuta' Germaneto - Catanzaro, Catanzaro 88100 , Italy . fresta@unicz.it.
Introduction:
Manipulating gene activity represents a promising approach for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. The relatively recent discovery of RNA interference (RNAi) revolutionized therapeutic approaches in this field. RNA effectors can now be used to modify the activity of genes and theoretically control any biological process.
Area Covered:
However, the clinical application of RNAi has been limited by the inefficient delivery of RNA. Challenges associated with the in vivo use of RNAi mediators, include rapid degradation, uptake by the reticular endothelial system and inefficient cellular internalization. To date, various strategies have been developed in order to overcome these pitfalls. Among these approaches, non-viral delivery systems have gained increasing popularity, as they are generally considered safer than their viral counterparts.
Expert Opinion:
The use of cationic polymers, especially polyethylenimine and chitosan, for the in vivo delivery of doubled-stranded RNAs is discussed in this review.
More Related Videos
08:26Practical Use of RNA Interference: Oral Delivery of Double-stranded RNA in Liposome Carriers for Cockroaches
Published on: May 1, 2018
09:36Polyethyleneimine-coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles as a Vehicle for the Delivery of Small Interfering RNA to Macrophages In Vitro and In Vivo
Published on: February 5, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Experimental RNAi
RNA Interference
This process occurs naturally in cells, often through the activity of genomically-encoded microRNAs. Researchers can take advantage of this mechanism by introducing synthetic RNAs to deactivate specific genes for research or therapeutic purposes. For example, RNAi could be used...
RNA Interference
This process occurs naturally in cells, often through the activity of genomically-encoded microRNAs. Researchers can take advantage of this mechanism by introducing synthetic RNAs to deactivate specific genes for research or therapeutic purposes. For example, RNAi could be used...
Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers
siRNA - Small Interfering RNAs
In the cytoplasm, siRNA is processed from a double-stranded RNA, which comes from either endogenous DNA transcription or exogenous sources like a virus. This double-stranded RNA is then cleaved by the ATP-dependent...