Biodegradable polymers in gene-silencing technology

Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) technology has shown great promise as a new class of therapeutics invention for treatment of cancer and other diseases. siRNA has been used extensively in blocking various genes and is presently being evaluated as a therapeutic for cancer and viral disease. Despite the excitement about this remarkable biological process for sequence specific gene regulation, the major limitations against the use of siRNAs-based therapeutics are their rapid degradation by serum nuclease, poor cellular uptake, and rapid renal clearance following systemic delivery, off-target effects, and induction of immune responses. Many researchers have tried to overcome these limitations with developing nuclease-resistant chemically modified siRNAs and variety of synthetic and natural biodegradable lipids and polymers for siRNA delivery to enhance efficacy and safety profiles. An ideal siRNAs-based delivery system must be clinically suitable, safe, and effective. This review discuss the recent progress of biodegradable polymers in siRNA delivery technology.