Rationally Designed Synthetic Vectors for Gene Delivery

Vector development is one of the most important challenges facing the successful use of genes for treatment of diseases. Although chemically produced vectors offer distinct advantages over biological systems such as viruses, there are still some hurdles that have to be overcome before synthetic gene delivery vectors can be successfully implemented. This brief review discusses the biological barriers that limit current delivery strategies and reviews currently employed strategies for plasmid delivery. Nanoparticle-based gene delivery is reviewed along with methods for their characterization, physiochemical properties and toxicity. Finally a prospectus is provided for future development of an ideal synthetic gene delivery vector.