ABSTRACT
Despite the great interest in RNA therapeutics, the development of a successful gene delivery process is still a major challenge. We propose an efficient nucleic acid entrapment into the mesopores of biocompatible nanoscaled metal-organic frameworks. Their rapid cellular uptake together with RNA protection and release led to a relevant in vitro gene activity.
Subject(s)
Drug Carriers , Gene Transfer Techniques , Iron , Metal-Organic Frameworks , RNA , Cell Line, Tumor , Drug Carriers/chemistry , Drug Carriers/pharmacokinetics , Drug Carriers/pharmacology , Humans , Iron/chemistry , Iron/pharmacokinetics , Iron/pharmacology , Metal-Organic Frameworks/chemistry , Metal-Organic Frameworks/pharmacokinetics , Metal-Organic Frameworks/pharmacology , RNA/chemistry , RNA/pharmacokinetics , RNA/pharmacologyABSTRACT
The topical route is the most frequent and preferred way to deliver drugs to the eye. Unfortunately, the very low ocular drug bioavailability (less than 5%) associated with this modality of administration, makes the efficient treatment of several ocular diseases a significant challenge. In the last decades, it has been shown that specific nanocarriers can interact with the ocular mucosa, thereby increasing the retention time of the associated drug onto the eye, as well as its permeability across the corneal and conjunctival epithelium. In this review, we comparatively analyze the mechanism of action and specific potential of the most studied nano-drug delivery carriers. In addition, we present the success achieved until now using a number of nanotherapies for the treatment of the most prevalent ocular pathologies, such as infections, inflammation, dry eye, glaucoma, and retinopathies.
