Dextran-based vehicle for gene transfection: A lesson learned by nature

Dextran-based vehicles have emerged as promising tools for nucleic acid transfection due to their biocompatibility, solubility, abundance, ease of modification, and cost-effectiveness. This review highlights the advantages of dextran over other viral and non-viral vectors, emphasizing its versatility in chemical modifications, including acetalation, oxidation, and carboxymethylation. These modifications enhance gene material stability, circulation time, transfection efficiency, lysosomal escape, and responsiveness to stimuli while enabling targeted delivery via ligand and peptide attachment. Dextran has been applied in various delivery systems, from intravenous to localized ones, serving as a carrier or stabilizer. The review examines the mechanisms of dextran's interaction with genetic material, the effects of its modifications on transfection, and the roles of diverse dextran-based systems, including micro, nano, conjugated, hybrid, and localized designs. Also, promising applications in disease treatment and gene editing are discussed, along with challenges, limitations, and future directions for dextran-based gene delivery systems.