Title:Lipid-based Vehicles for siRNA Delivery in Biomedical Field
Volume: 21
Issue: 1
Author(s): Tianzhong Li, Linfeng Huang*Mengsu Yang*
Affiliation:
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR,China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR,China
Keywords:
siRNA, delivery, lipid nanoparticle, liposome, gene silencing, targeting strategy.
Abstract: Background: Genetic drugs have aroused much attention in the past twenty years. RNA interference
(RNAi) offers novel insights into discovering potential gene functions and therapies targeting
genetic diseases. Small interference RNA (siRNA), typically 21-23 nucleotides in length, can specifically
degrade complementary mRNA. However, targeted delivery and controlled release of siRNA
remain a great challenge.
Methods: Different types of lipid-based delivery vehicles have been synthesized, such as liposomes,
lipidoids, micelles, lipoplexes and lipid nanoparticles. These carriers commonly have a core-shell
structure. For active targeting, ligands may be conjugated to the surface of lipid particles.
Results: Lipid-based drug delivery vehicles can be utilized in anti-viral or anti-tumor therapies. They
can also be used to tackle genetic diseases or discover novel druggable genes.
Conclusion: In this review, the structures of lipid-based vehicles and possible surface modifications
are described, and applications of delivery vehicles in biomedical field are discussed.