Advances on non-invasive physically triggered nucleic acid delivery from nanocarriers

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Gene Therapy

Background:

• Nucleic acids (NAs) show therapeutic potential but face delivery hurdles like charge, size, and instability.
• Current limitations hinder clinical applications of NAs, necessitating advanced delivery systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review exogenous triggered gene release strategies for overcoming NA delivery limitations.
• To detail mechanisms, examples, challenges, and perspectives of external stimuli-responsive gene delivery.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on endogenous and exogenous triggered gene release systems.
• Focus on external physical triggers: light, heat, magnetic field, and ultrasound.
• Analysis of how these triggers induce endosomal escape and gene release.

Main Results:

• Exogenous triggered release offers precise temporal and spatial control over gene delivery.
• External stimuli modulate nanocarrier stability or induce specific reactions for gene release.
• Various physical triggers demonstrate potential for effective gene delivery.

Conclusions:

• Exogenous triggered gene release systems are a promising strategy to enhance NA therapeutic efficacy.
• Further research is needed to address challenges and optimize these advanced gene delivery systems.