Systemic gene delivery using lipid envelope systems and its potential in overcoming challenges

Nonviral vectors which offer a safer and versatile alternative to viral vectors have been developed to overcome problems caused by viral carriers. However, their transfection efficacy or level of expression is substantially lower than viral vectors. Among various nonviral gene vectors, lipid envelops systems are an ideal platform for the incorporation of safety and efficacy into a single delivery system. Emerging strategies for gene delivery using lipid-based delivery systems mainly aim at improving the transfection efficiency and potency while reducing toxicity, achieving prolonged release, cell-specific targeting, co-delivery of drug and gene. Earlier efforts to improve the transfection efficiency while overcoming the toxicity led to the need for preparing conjugates of lipids with polyamines. In this review, we highlight current lipidic vectors that have been developed for gene therapy, challenges, and their solutions.

Microbubbles and Nanobubbles with Ultrasound for Systemic Gene Delivery

The regulation of gene expression is a promising therapeutic approach for many intractable diseases. However, its use in clinical applications requires the efficient delivery of nucleic acids to target tissues, which is a major challenge. Recently, various delivery systems employing physical energy, such as ultrasound, magnetic force, electric force, and light, have been developed. Ultrasound-mediated delivery has particularly attracted interest due to its safety and low costs. Its delivery effects are also enhanced when combined with microbubbles or nanobubbles that entrap an ultrasound contrast gas. Furthermore, ultrasound-mediated nucleic acid delivery could be performed only in ultrasound exposed areas. In this review, we summarize the ultrasound-mediated nucleic acid systemic delivery system, using microbubbles or nanobubbles, and discuss its possibilities as a therapeutic tool.

Dextranated poly(urethane amine)s designed for systemic gene delivery in ovarian cancer therapy

Dextranated poly(urethane amine)s can be designed for robust ovarian cancer gene therapy.