Encapsulation of miRNA and siRNA into Nanomaterials for Cancer Therapeutics

Mina Zare1,2, Rakesh Pemmada3, Maya Madhavan4

  • 1Center for Nanotechnology and Sustainability, Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117581, Singapore.

Pharmaceutics
|August 26, 2022
PubMed

Insights

RNA interference (RNAi) offers a novel strategy for cancer treatment, overcoming chemotherapy limitations. This review explores nanocarrier systems for enhanced delivery of RNAi therapeutics, addressing challenges like cell permeation and immune response.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Nanotechnology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Conventional chemotherapy faces challenges including low drug solubility, poor biocompatibility, and multidrug resistance.
  • RNA interference (RNAi) presents a promising gene-silencing approach for targeted cancer therapy.
  • Clinical application of small interfering RNA (siRNA) drugs is limited by poor cellular uptake, off-target effects, and immunogenicity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review advancements in nanocarrier-based delivery systems for RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics.
  • To explore the design strategies for multifunctional siRNA and microRNA (miRNA) delivery vectors for cancer treatment.
  • To highlight challenges and future research directions in RNAi drug development for oncology.

Main Methods:

  • Review of literature on nanocarrier systems for RNAi delivery.
  • Analysis of various nanovectors including liposomes, dendrimers, and micelle-based systems.
  • Examination of functional polymer-drug delivery systems for RNAi therapeutics.

Main Results:

  • Nanocarriers like liposomes, dendrimers, and micelles show potential for improved siRNA delivery.
  • Modification strategies for nanocarriers are crucial for developing multifunctional RNAi delivery vectors.
  • Functional polymers offer versatile platforms for targeted RNAi drug delivery.

Conclusions:

  • Nanocarrier systems are vital for overcoming the limitations of siRNA drugs in cancer therapy.
  • Strategic modification of nanocarriers can enhance the efficacy and safety of RNAi therapeutics.
  • Further research into RNAi delivery systems is essential for advancing cancer treatment.

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