title: Cationic polymers and their therapeutic potential.
abstract: The last decade has witnessed enormous research focused on cationic polymers. Cationic polymers are the subject of intense research as non-viral gene delivery systems, due to their flexible properties, facile synthesis, robustness and proven gene delivery efficiency. Here, we review the most recent scientific advances in cationic polymers and their derivatives not only for gene delivery purposes but also for various alternative therapeutic applications. An overview of the synthesis and preparation of cationic polymers is provided along with their inherent bioactive and intrinsic therapeutic potential. In addition, cationic polymer based biomedical materials are covered. Major progress in the fields of drug and gene delivery as well as tissue engineering applications is summarized in the present review.
authors.affiliation: Polymer Chemistry & Biomaterials Research Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-Bis, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium. SangramKeshari.Samal@UGent.be
authors.forename: Sangram Keshari
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Samal
authors.forename: Mamoni
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dash
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Van Vlierberghe
authors.forename: David L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Kaplan
authors.forename: Emo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Chiellini
authors.forename: Clemens
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: van Blitterswijk
authors.forename: Lorenzo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Moroni
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Dubruel
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D001688:Biological Products / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D006801:Humans; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D023822:Tissue Engineering
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001688:Biological Products; D004337:Drug Carriers; D011108:Polymers