A Review on the Application of Nanoparticles for Targeted Gene Delivery

Gene therapy is an attractive approach to treatment of diseases with genetic or non-genetic origins. This procedure is based on the delivery of genetic materials, mainly DNA or small interfering RNA (siRNA), to the target cells or tissues. Due to the presence of physical and chemical barriers in the internal environment and cells of the body such as degrading enzymes in the circulatory system or electrical charge of the cell membrane, transfection of the naked nucleic acids is inefficient. In order to overcome this problem, different types of gene transfer carriers were developed. Of note, nanoparticle-based carriers have attracted considerable attention owing to their particular properties. Nanoparticles (NPs) are available in different types, each with its own specific advantages and disadvantages. Some of their advantages such as their small size have made NPs a potential candidate for eliminating obstacles to the genetic material delivery. However, these NPs have several limitations. The current study aimed to introduce different types of NPs used in the delivery of genetic materials and examine the basic aspects of the fabrication, characterization, and functionalization of NPs. Further, it briefly summarized the advantages and disadvantages of each approach to gene delivery by means of NPs. Finally, it suggested some applications of the nanoparticle-based gene therapies in the clinical trials.