Layer-by-Layer technique as a versatile tool for gene delivery applications

Abstract

Introduction: Gene therapy is a breakthrough medical field which focuses on the therapeutic delivery of recombinant nucleic acids in order to treat or prevent a broad spectrum of diseases. However, a number of important obstacles remain before its wide introduction into clinical practice can be envisaged. One of the biggest bottlenecks is the lack of efficient and safe delivery technologies, particularly, for in vivo distribution. Above and beyond standard requirements for carriers, the delivery systems for gene therapy ideally use a hit-and-run principle (to minimize off-target effect and display of immunogenic moieties). None of the currently used viral vectors fulfills all of these requirements. Therefore, the growing variety of non-viral delivery platforms represents a promising alternative.Areas covered: This review summarizes the Layer-by-Layer (LbL) approaches that can be effectively used for the gene delivery, considering various examples with the transfer of pDNA, mRNA, siRNA as well as genome-editing tools. Ex vivo gene modification of clinically relevant cells and clinical aspects for possible application of LbL systems in gene therapy are also underlined. Expert opinion:The LbL technique provides broad opportunities for the delivery of genetic material for various purposes and offers promise for future clinical application in gene therapy.

Organic/Inorganic Self‐Assembled Hybrid Nano‐Architectures for Cancer Therapy Applications

“…[ 217,218 ] Such a loading capacity from PNCs enables them to be a great platform to perform drug/gene combinational therapies, theranostic treatment, and high‐efficient gene delivery in cancer cells. [ 205,219–221 ] In addition to anticancer drugs and therapeutic genes, protein‐based drugs distinctive from the large molecular size have also been extensively used for combating cancer. Due to the large size and fragile nature, the difficulty in encapsulating proteins was increased.…”

Tuning the Surface Properties of Poly(Allylamine Hydrochloride)-Based Multilayer Films

“…Because of the presence of quaternary ammonium functional groups and sulfonate groups, these PEMs may be used for manufacture antimicrobial surfaces as some of the polymers tested here show antibacterial [ 34 ] and antiviral properties [ 54 , 55 ]. Other applications, typical of LbL systems, are also possible such as controlled drug delivery [ 56 , 57 ], gene delivery [ 58 ] and coatings with controlled cell adhesion properties [ 59 ].…”

Polyelectrolyte Multilayered Capsules as Biomedical Tools

“…However, the success of gene delivery therapies requires technologies that allow an effective introduction of the genetic information using viral or non-viral vectors. The latter is the preferred option for avoiding the high immunogenicity of viral vectors [259,262,263], with LbL capsules being suitable alternatives for the delivery of genetic material [264]. Thus, the LbL shell provides protection against nucleases and other aggressive factors, minimizing any potential degradation of the genetic material during its transport into the nucleus of the cell.…”