Nano-delivery Systems for mRNA: A comprehensive review of lipid-based and polymer-based approaches

Messenger RNA (mRNA) has emerged as a promising therapeutic tool for the treatment of various diseases, including cancer, infectious diseases, and genetic disorders. mRNA-based therapies offer several advantages over traditional gene therapy approaches, including temporary expression, adaptability, and improved safety profiles. The development of mRNA-based therapies has undergone significant advancements, with three distinct phases identified. Phase-I involved the discovery of mRNA, in vitro synthesis, and the development of nucleic acid delivery systems. Phase-II saw the clinical trials of mRNA vaccines for infectious diseases and cancer, while Phase-III is characterized by the emergency use authorization of mRNA-based vaccines for SARS-CoV-2.

However, the delivery of mRNA remains a significant challenge due to its instability and difficulty in crossing cellular membranes. To overcome these challenges, various delivery systems have been developed, including lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), lipoplexes, and polymer-based nanoparticles.