Recent Advances and Challenges in Gene Delivery Mediated by Polyester-Based Nanoparticles

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Nanomedicine
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Gene therapy offers potential treatments for various diseases, including infections, inherited disorders, and cancer.
• Efficient delivery of nucleic acids (NA) is crucial for gene therapy, overcoming challenges like degradation and poor cellular uptake.
• Nanotechnology provides polymer-based nanoparticles (NPs) as effective alternatives to viral vectors for gene delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review polyester-based nanocarriers, such as PLGA and PLA NPs, for delivering various nucleic acids (siRNA, mRNA, pDNA).
• To explore the application of these nanocarriers in delivering CRISPR/Cas genome editing systems for genetic diseases.
• To discuss the role of nanotechnology in combating emerging infectious diseases, exemplified by COVID-19 mRNA vaccines.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of polyester-based nanoparticles for gene delivery.
• Analysis of applications in delivering siRNA, mRNA, pDNA, and CRISPR/Cas systems.
• Discussion of nanotechnology's role in current and future gene therapy strategies.

Main Results:

• Polyester NPs (PLGA, PLA) are versatile and effective for delivering diverse nucleic acids.
• These nanocarriers show promise for CRISPR/Cas genome editing applications.
• Nanotechnology, particularly mRNA-loaded NPs, has been pivotal in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions:

• Polyester-based nanovehicles are a key advancement in gene therapy delivery systems.
• Nanotechnology plays a critical role in developing treatments for genetic disorders and infectious diseases.
• Future research should focus on targeted delivery and overcoming challenges in genome editing applications.