Non-viral nanoparticles for RNA interference: Principles of design and practical guidelines

Zehua Liu, Shiqi Wang, Christos Tapeinos, Giulia Torrieri, Voitto Känkänen, Nesma Elsayed Ahmed Ahmed Ibrahim, Andre Python, Jouni Hirvonen, Hélder A. Santos

Research output: Contribution to journalReview Articlepeer-review

Abstract

Ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi) is an innovative treatment strategy for a myriad of indications. Non-viral synthetic nanoparticles (NPs) have drawn extensive attention as vectors for RNAi due to their potential advantages, including improved safety, high delivery efficiency and economic feasibility. However, the complex natural process of RNAi and the susceptible nature of oligonucleotides render the NPs subject to particular design principles and requirements for practical fabrication. Here, we summarize the requirements and obstacles for fabricating non-viral nano-vectors for efficient RNAi. To address the delivery challenges, we discuss practical guidelines for materials selection and NP synthesis in order to maximize RNA encapsulation efficiency and protection against degradation, and to facilitate the cytosolic release of oligonucleotides. The current status of clinical translation of RNAi-based therapies and further perspectives for reducing the potential side effects are also reviewed.

(c) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Original languageEnglish
JournalAdvanced Drug Delivery Reviews
Volume174
Pages (from-to)576-612
Number of pages37
ISSN0169-409X
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2021
MoE publication typeA2 Review article in a scientific journal

Fields of Science

  • BUBBLE LIPOSOMES
  • CELL-PENETRATING PEPTIDE
  • Clinical translation
  • ENDOSOMAL ESCAPE
  • Endosome escape
  • GENE DELIVERY
  • IN-VIVO
  • LIPID NANOPARTICLES
  • Leukocytes targeting
  • MEDIATED TARGETED DELIVERY
  • Non-viral nanoparticles
  • POLYMER BRUSHES
  • RNA encapsulation
  • RNA interference
  • SIRNA DELIVERY
  • TUMOR-ASSOCIATED MACROPHAGES
  • 318 Medical biotechnology
  • 221 Nano-technology
  • 317 Pharmacy

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