Polymeric nanosystems for drug and gene delivery

In this article, we describe the different polymeric nanoparticle platforms developed in our laboratory for the targeted delivery of drugs and genes. Based on their versatility, biodegradable synthetic and natural polymers, such as poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL), poly(D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), poly(beta-amino ester) (PbAE) and gelatin, are uniquely suited for the fabrication of targeted delivery systems for various types of therapeutic payloads. PCL, PLGA, and PbAE nanoparticle systems were used for systemic combination drug therapy a cytotoxic agent and the apoptotic signal modulator (C6-ceramide) to overcome multidrug resistance in cancer. Gelatin and modified gelatin nanoparticles were used for the delivery of reporter and therapeutic plasmid DNA. Lastly, we have formulated nanoparticles-in-microsphere oral system (NiMOS) for oral gene delivery and transfection in specific regions of the gastrointestinal tract. In each case, special emphasis is placed on the use of safe materials and delivery systems that offer opportunities for multi-functionalization to allow for targeted stimuli-responsive and/or simultaneous strategic delivery of multiple drugs and genes to disease target.