Conjugated Polymers for Gene Delivery and Photothermal Gene Expression

Abstract

Gene therapy has attracted great attention due to its applications in disease treatment. The key point for gene therapy is how to improve the efficiency of gene delivery and precisely control gene expression. Conjugated polymers (CPs) have hydrophobic π-conjugated backbones and modifiable side chains, which provide desired photophysical properties and have been applied in the field of bio-sensing, biomedical and gene-based therapies. Herein, we summarize the strategies of DNA delivery and small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery based on cationic conjugated polymers, in addition, the strategies for precisely control the expression of target gene by photothermal-responsive conjugated polymers for cancer therapy and gene editing are described. Finally, future challenges of efficient and safe gene delivery strategies are presented, and perspectives in the precise control of gene expression are also discussed.

Keywords: conjugated polymers; gene delivery; photothermal response; tumor therapy.