Innovations in Biomaterial Design toward Successful RNA Interference Therapy for Cancer Treatment

Abstract

Gene regulation using RNA interference (RNAi) therapy has been developed as one of the frontiers in cancer treatment. The ability to tailor the expression of genes by delivering synthetic oligonucleotides to tumor cells has transformed the way scientists think about treating cancer. However, its clinical application has been limited due to the need to deliver synthetic RNAi oligonucleotides efficiently and effectively to target cells. Advances in nanotechnology and biomaterials have begun to address the limitations to RNAi therapeutic delivery, increasing the likelihood of RNAi therapeutics for cancer treatment in clinical settings. Herein, innovations in the design of nanocarriers for the delivery of oligonucleotides for successful RNAi therapy are discussed.

Hydrogels and Hydrogel Nanocomposites: Enhancing Healthcare through Human and Environmental Treatment

“…), and/or 4) less invasiveness thanks to ease of injectability. [ 161–169 ] Our group has extensively studied magnetic hydrogel nanocomposite for cancer therapy applications such as controlled drug delivery, controlled thermal delivery, and combinations of these therapies [ 170–176 ] There have also been a few insightful reviews highlighting the breadth of activities in this area. [ 177–179 ]…”

“…), and/or 4) less invasiveness thanks to ease of injectability. [161][162][163][164][165][166][167][168][169] Our group has extensively studied magnetic hydrogel nanocomposite for cancer therapy applications such as controlled drug delivery, controlled thermal delivery, and combinations of these therapies [170][171][172][173][174][175][176] There have also been a few insightful reviews highlighting the breadth of activities in this area. [177][178][179] Injectable hydrogels have gained interest for tumor treatment because of their ability to be locally administered, high swelling capacity, which can increase contact area between the therapeutic gel and irregularly shaped/distributed carcinoma, in situ polymerization capability as a response to external stimulus (i.e., like pH or temperature), ability to mimic the biological environment, prevent degradation of the drug during transport, and enhanced localized therapeutic effects.…”

Overcoming barriers in non-viral gene delivery for neurological applications

“…PBAEs are a unique class of polymers utilized in gene delivery efforts because they possess multiple positively charged amine groups for complexation with genetic material, readily cleavable ester bonds within the backbone for enhanced degradation, pH buffering capacity, and minimal cytotoxicity. 56 In a recent study, Green and associates 57 explored the use of newly developed PBAEs with bio-reducible and non-reducible properties to deliver miRNA mimics to glioblastoma (GBM) tumors. The synthesized PBAE-BPN had a diameter roughly half that of non-PEGylated PBAE vectors and a near neutral zeta potential of +2.5 mV compared to the original of 35.3 mV.…”

Targeted Delivery of Drugs and Genes Using Polymer Nanocarriers for Cancer Therapy

“…Among existing nanocarriers, polymer nanocarriers are attracting a great deal of attention due to their non-toxicity, low immunogenicity, and high biocompatibility. RNA interference (RNAi) is a promising technique for regulating tumor genes in cancer therapy [179]. Effective cancer treatment using RNAi requires efficient delivery of siRNA and silencing of target genes in cancer cells.…”