Sugar-based gene delivery systems: Current knowledge and new perspectives. (1st February 2018) - Hong, Seo Jin
Graphical abstract: Highlights: The latest advances in drug and gene delivery systems involve carbohydrate-based polymers. Chemical conjugation and modification of various polysaccharides are strategies to improve gene delivery. Functionalization of carbohydrate structures through chemical modifications provides a solution for various issues in gene delivery. Abstract: Carbohydrates, one of the most abundant natural compounds and key participants in many biological processes, are relevant in medical and industrial fields. In comparison with synthetic polymers, carbohydrates are biocompatible and have intrinsic targeting properties, enabling them to interact with cell-surface receptors. Among the different carbohydrates, polysaccharides are naturally occurring biological molecules with tremendous potential for biomedical applications. The physicochemical properties of these polysaccharide based nanoparticles, such as excellent biocompatibility, surface charge to interact with nucleic acids, low toxicity and cost effectiveness make them superior carriers for nanomedicine. In addition to variety of physicochemical properties, polysaccharides allow the great ease of chemical modification which enables the preparation of wide range of nanoparticles. In this review, we present the state-of-the-art information on the potential of polysaccharides-based polymers as non-viral gene delivery vectors in treating various diseases. Then, we discuss the chemical modification and structure/property relationship of carbohydrates.