Natural Polymeric Vectors in Gene Therapy

Abstract

Viral vectors, liposomes, and synthetic polymeric vectors are the most widely used gene carriers in gene therapy. But some unique properties, such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, and low toxicity of natural polymers advance them to use as nonviral vectors in gene therapy. Among the natural polymers, chitosan and their derivatives are the strong candidates as nonviral vectors in gene therapy due to their reduced cytotoxicity, biodegradability, excellent biocompatibility, and low immunogenicity character. It has been successful in oral and nasal delivery due to its mucoadhesive property. Apart from chitosan, gelatin, collagen, arginine, and alginate are also used as gene carriers. The natural polymers can be tailored through ligand conjugation, crosslinking and many other modifi cations with its reactive sites and used for a wide range of clinical applications. Due to the gene carrier ability of natural polymers, they can play an important role in the fi eld of regenerative medicines. This chapter highlights the present and past research on natural polymers as nonviral vectors in gene therapy.