Polymers and Nanomaterials for Gene Therapy

ISBN-13: 9780081005200 / Angielski / Twarda / 2016 / 302 str.

Narain, Ravin

Opis

Polymers and Nanomaterials for Gene Therapy provides the latest information on gene therapy, a topic that has attracted significant attention over the past two decades for the treatment of inherited and acquired genetic diseases. Major research efforts are currently focused on designing suitable carrier vectors that compact and protect oligonucleotides for gene therapy. The book explores the most recent developments in the field of polymer science and nanotechnology, and how these advancements have helped in the design of advanced materials. Non-viral vector systems, including cationic lipids, polymers, dendrimers, peptides and nanoparticles, are potential routes for compacting DNA for systemic delivery. However, unlike viral analogues that have no difficulty in overcoming cellular barriers and immune defense mechanisms, non-viral gene carriers consistently exhibit significant reduced transfection efficiency due to numerous extra- and intracellular obstacles. Therefore, biocompatibility and potential for large-scale production make these compounds increasingly attractive for gene therapy. This book contains chapters on the engineering of polymers and nanomaterials for gene therapy, and how they can form complexes with DNA and avoid both in vitro and in vivo barriers. Other chapters describe in vitro, ex vivo, in vivo gene therapy studies, and the current issues affecting non-viral gene therapy.

• Explores current challenges in the research of genetic diseases
• Discusses polymers for gene therapy and their function in designing advanced materials
• Provides examples of organic and inorganic nanomaterials for gene therapy
• Includes labeling, targeting, and assays
• Looks at characterization, physico-(bio)chemical properties, and applications

Spis treści

• Current challenges of gene therapy
• Engineering of polymers and nanomaterials for gene therapy
• Detailed description of in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo gene therapy studies using polymers and nanomaterials

O autorze

Prof Dr Ravin Narain is currently a professor in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Canada. He has extensive teaching experience in the field, having taught several courses related to Hydrogels in the University of Alberta - such as Chimie organique II, Special Topics in Chemical and Materials Engineering, Advanced Topics in Chemical and Materials Engineering, Advanced Biomaterials Science.He has made significant contributions to research on the design, fabrication, and characterization of novel polymers, hydrogels and nanomaterials for a wide range of applications.

His research has also covered biomaterials, nanomedicine, and regenerative medicine, with an emphasis on developing advanced materials as nucleic acid and cancer therapeutics, antifouling and antimicrobial uses, and cell/tissue engineering advances. He has published over 180 articles in peer-reviewed and high-impact journals and has edited several books.