Zwitterionic materials for nucleic acid delivery and therapeutic applications

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Gene Therapy
• Drug Delivery

Background:

• Nucleic acid therapeutics show great promise for treating diseases but face delivery challenges.
• Effective gene delivery vectors are crucial for advancing gene therapy and nucleic acid-based drugs.
• While cationic vectors are well-studied, zwitterionic materials are underappreciated for nucleic acid delivery.

Approach:

• This review summarizes diverse zwitterionic material nucleic acid carriers, including lipids, polymers, and peptides.
• It details their chemical structures, synthesis methods, properties, and advantages for gene delivery.
• Therapeutic applications and challenges of zwitterionic vectors are discussed.

Key Points:

• Zwitterionic materials, including lipids, polymers, and peptides, are explored as nucleic acid carriers.
• The review covers synthesis, properties, advantages, and therapeutic uses of these materials.
• Challenges and future opportunities in zwitterionic vector development are highlighted.

Conclusions:

• Zwitterionic materials present a viable and underutilized class of vectors for nucleic acid delivery.
• Further development of zwitterionic vectors can significantly advance the field of nucleic acid therapeutics.
• Understanding zwitterionic material properties is key to improving gene delivery efficacy and clinical translation.