Biomaterial-Based Nucleic Acid Delivery Systems for In Situ Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine.

Area of Science:

• Regenerative Medicine
• Biomaterials Science
• Gene Therapy

Background:

• Gene therapy offers precise cellular control for tissue repair via in situ nucleic acid delivery.
• Effective delivery systems are crucial for localized genetic reprogramming, avoiding immune rejection and donor cell issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review mechanisms of gene editing in tissue repair.
• To explore advancements in viral and non-viral vector engineering for nucleic acid delivery.
• To examine innovations in biomaterial scaffolds for enhanced tissue regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of viral and non-viral vector modifications for stability and cellular uptake.
• Evaluation of injectable and 3D-printed scaffolds for controlled nucleic acid release and microenvironment mimicry.
• Assessment of scaffold fabrication, nucleic acid kinetics, and biological impacts.

Main Results:

• Biomaterial-engineered platforms demonstrate potential for tissue-specific targeting and efficient intracellular transport.
• Scaffolds can mimic native extracellular environments, supporting stem cell recruitment and tissue regeneration.
• Progress in spatiotemporal gene delivery control has been made, though challenges persist.

Conclusions:

• Future research should focus on multifunctional "smart" scaffolds with CRISPR-based tools and patient-specific designs.
• Overcoming challenges in vector biocompatibility, scalability, and safety is essential for clinical translation.
• This review integrates recent advances to guide future investigations in gene therapy for tissue repair.