Liposomal gene delivery mediated by tissue-engineered scaffolds.
In the absence of any ideal gene delivery carrier despite the recent explosion of novel carrier systems, the current trend is to explore the complementary synergy promised by a combination of delivery systems such as liposomes, which are the most widely researched versatile non-viral carriers, and tissue-engineered scaffolds with macrostructures of defined architecture comprised of natural or synthetic macromolecules. Here, we discuss the recent advances in liposomal gene delivery and the possible benefits of a combined liposome-scaffold approach, such as long-term expression, enhanced stability, reduction in toxicity and ability to produce spatio-temporal expression patterns. This approach is generating significant impact in the field as a result of its potential for extended localised gene delivery for applications in a variety of clinical conditions.
Kulkarni
Mangesh
M
Network of Excellence for Functional Biomaterials, NFB Building, IDA Business Park, Newcastle Road, Dangan, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
Greiser
Udo
U
O'Brien
Timothy
T
Pandit
Abhay
A
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D006801:Humans; D008081:Liposomes; D023822:Tissue Engineering; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D008081:Liposomes