Chitosan Nanoparticle-Mediated Gene Transfer

Recent advances in genomics and proteomics have led to the evolution of DNA-based therapeutics and the use of gene therapy for treatment of a wide range of human diseases. However, poor cellular uptake and rapid in vivo degradation of DNA-based therapeutics are the major drawbacks of gene therapy. Viral and nonviral gene transfer vectors have been developed to facilitate the cellular internalization and preserve their activity until the successful transgene expression. Chitosan, a natural polysaccharide, is biocompatible and biodegradable. Chitosan has been reported to form nanocomplexes with DNA to protect them against DNase degradation and transfer DNA effectively and safely into cells in culture cell as well as in vivo.