Advances in Nanoparticle-based Delivery of Next Generation Peptide Nucleic Acids

Abstract

Background: Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) belong to the next generation of synthetic nucleic acid analogues. Their high binding affinity and specificity towards the target DNA or RNA make them the reagent of choice for gene therapy-based applications.

Objective: To review important gene therapy based applications of regular and chemically modified peptide nucleic acids in combination with nanotechnology.

Method: Selective research of the literature.

Results: Poor intracellular delivery of PNAs has been a significant challenge. Among several delivery strategies explored till date, nanotechnology-based strategies hold immense potential. Recent studies have shown that advances in nanotechnology can be used to broaden the range of therapeutic applications of PNAs. In this review, we discussed significant advances made in nanoparticle-based on PLGA polymer, silicon, oxidized carbon and graphene oxide for the delivery of PNAs.

Conclusion: Nanoparticles delivered PNAs can be implied in diverse gene therapy based applications including gene editing as well as gene targeting (antisense) based strategies.

Keywords: PLGA; cancer; microRNA; nanoparticles; peptide nucleic acid; silicon; γPNA..