What Types of Nanoparticles Are Used in Gene Therapy?
Several types of nanoparticles are used in gene therapy: 1. Liposomes: These are spherical vesicles composed of lipid bilayers that can encapsulate genetic material and fuse with cell membranes to deliver their cargo. 2. Dendrimers: These are branched, tree-like structures with a high degree of surface functionality, allowing for efficient gene loading and targeted delivery. 3. Polymeric Nanoparticles: Made from biodegradable polymers, these nanoparticles can be tailored to release their genetic cargo in a controlled manner. 4. Inorganic Nanoparticles: Gold nanoparticles and quantum dots are examples of inorganic nanoparticles that can be functionalized for gene delivery.
