title: Polymeric nano- and microparticle technologies for oral gene delivery.
abstract: Gene therapy refers to local or systemic administration of a nucleic acid construct that can prevent, treat and even cure diseases by changing the expression of genes that are responsible for the pathological condition. Oral gene therapy has significant promise for treatment of local diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and for systemic absorption of the expressed protein therapeutics. In addition, efficient oral delivery of DNA vaccines can have significant impact in disease prevention. The use of polymeric gene delivery vectors promises the translation of this experimental medical concept into clinical reality. This review addresses the challenges and opportunities in the development of polymer-based nano- and microparticle technologies for oral gene therapy. Specifically, the discussion is focused on different synthetic and natural polymers used for formulating nano- and microparticle technologies and the use of these delivery systems for oral DNA administration for therapeutic and vaccination purposes.
authors.affiliation: Doctoral Candidate, Northeastern University, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, 110 Mugar Life Sciences Building, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
authors.forename: Mayank D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Bhavsar
authors.forename: Mansoor M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Amiji
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000818:Animals; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011108:Polymers / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014611:Vaccination / Q000379:methods; D019444:Vaccines, DNA
chemical_list: D011108:Polymers; D019444:Vaccines, DNA