ATTRACTIVE APPROACHES in DRUG DELIVERY: BIO-BASED CARRIERS for siRNA TARGETING

Functional characterization of genes can be determined by disruption of gene expression. This provides powerful approach in designing novel treatment strategies. RNA interference (RNAi) is a natural phenomenon that can aid in the study of post-transcriptional regulation of genes. This mechanism can be stimulated via introduction of double stranded RNA (dsRNA) in a cell. Synthetic short/small interfering RNAs (siRNA) can be utilized to trigger down-regulation of desired genes via transfecting into mammalian cells. Recently, utilization of bio-based polymers has been an attractive approach in drug delivery for medical applications. This review article describes the advantages of exploiting bio-based polymeric carriers for siRNA targeting, as bio-therapeutics. Here, we report the current developments, safety and delivery of bio-based siRNAs via polymeric carriers. Additionally, cancer genetics and metabolic disorders including obesity and diabetes pertaining to the progress in clinical applications have been highlighted.