Polymers and Nanomaterials for Gene Therapy provides the latest information on gene therapy, a topic that has attracted significant attention over the past two decades for the treatment of inherited and acquired genetic diseases. Major research efforts are currently focused on designing suitable carrier vectors that compact and protect oligonucleotides for gene therapy. The book explores the most recent developments in the field of polymer science and nanotechnology, and how these advancements have helped in the design of advanced materials. Non-viral vector systems, including cationic lipids, polymers, dendrimers, peptides and nanoparticles, are potential routes for compacting DNA for systemic delivery. However, unlike viral analogues that have no difficulty in overcoming cellular barriers and immune defense mechanisms, non-viral gene carriers consistently exhibit significant reduced transfection efficiency due to numerous extra- and intracellular obstacles. Therefore, biocompatibility and potential for large-scale production make these compounds increasingly attractive for gene therapy. This book contains chapters on the engineering of polymers and nanomaterials for gene therapy, and how they can form complexes with DNA and avoid both in vitro and in vivo barriers. Other chapters describe in vitro, ex vivo, in vivo gene therapy studies, and the current issues affecting non-viral gene therapy. - Explores current challenges in the research of genetic diseases - Discusses polymers for gene therapy and their function in designing advanced materials - Provides examples of organic and inorganic nanomaterials for gene therapy - Includes labeling, targeting, and assays - Looks at characterization, physico-(bio)chemical properties, and applications

​The series Topics in Current Chemistry Collections presents critical reviews from the journal Topics in Current Chemistry organized in topical volumes. The scope of coverage is all areas of chemical science including the interfaces with related disciplines such as biology, medicine and materials science. The goal of each thematic volume is to give the non-specialist reader, whether in academia or industry, a comprehensive insight into an area where new research is emerging which is of interest to a larger scientific audience. Each review within the volume critically surveys one aspect of that topic and places it within the context of the volume as a whole. The most significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years are presented using selected examples to illustrate the principles discussed. The coverage is not intended to be an exhaustive summary of the field or include large quantities of data, but should rather be conceptual, concentrating on the methodological thinking that will allow the non-specialist reader to understand the information presented. Contributions also offer an outlook on potential future developments in the field. The chapter "Polymeric Nanoparticle-Mediated Gene Delivery for Lung Cancer Treatment" is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.

Together, the nano explosion and the genomic revolution are ushering in a new frontier in drug delivery. In recent years we've seen how polymers can play a crucial role in controlling the rate of drug release, enhancing solubility and uptake, and limiting degradation and toxicity. In the very near future, they may well be used to deliver gene thera

The aim of this book is to explore the history, fundamentals, manufacturing processes, optimization parameters, and applications of electrospun materials. The book includes various types of electrospun materials such as antimicrobial, smart, bioinspired systems. It focuses on the many application areas for electrospun materials such as energy storage and harvesting, catalysis, biomedical including gene delivery and tissue engineering, separation, adsorption and water treatment technologies, packaging. The book emphasizes the enhanced sustainable properties of electrospun materials, with the challenges and future developments being discussed in detail. The chapters are written by top-class researchers and experts from throughout the world.

DNA delivery into cells is a rapidly developing area in gene therapy and biotechnology. Moreover, it is a powerful research tool to determine gene structure, regulation, and function. Viral methods of DNA delivery are well-characterized and efficient, but little is known about the toxicity and immunogenecity of viral vectors. As a result, non-viral, transfection methods of DNA delivery are of increasing interest. Synthetic DNA Delivery Systems is a comprehensive and current resource on DNA transfection. The use of histidine-rich peptides and polypeptides as DNA delivery systems and self-assembled delivery systems based on cationic lipids and polymers are discussed. Targeted delivery to organelles, tumor cells and dendritic cells comprise an important topic.

Polymer-based systems hold great promise for the delivery of genes and drugs, as polymers can be designed and modified to meet new challenges.

Nucleic Acid Nanotheranostics: Biomedical Applications offers a comprehensive overview of improvements and new trends in fabrication of nanostructures as theranostic multifunctional carriers in gene therapy. With a strong focus on medical applications (comprising diagnosis, therapy and imaging), the book also examines gene therapy in an individual patient's cells or tissues to treat genetic diseases. Sections cover Biomedical and Diagnostic applications of Nucleic Acids, Biologic and Synthetic Advanced Nanostructures for nucleic acid delivery, and important considerations of nanomedicine. This book is a valuable guide for materials scientists, physicians, chemists and engineers, but is also ideal for clinicians wishing to expand their knowledge.