Nanotechnology is revolutionizing gene manipulation by enhancing delivery systems for CRISPR and other genetic tools, with significant applications in medicine and agriculture. While it offers immense potential, it also introduces new challenges in the field of gene editing.
By Nidhi DhullReviewed by Lexie CornerUpdated on Aug 20 2024 Gene manipulation involves multiple steps, beginning with the introduction of genes of interest into cells and tissues. Various methods are used to deliver deoxyribonucleic acid sequences across cell walls, plasma membranes, and nuclear membranes in mammalian, animal, and plant cells.1 However, even advanced gene editing tools like CRISPR systems still lack safe and efficient delivery methods.
Carbon-based nanoparticles, such as fullerenes and carbon nanotubes, exhibit excellent physical and chemical properties, including high aspect ratio, tensile strength, surface area-to-volume ratio, biocompatibility, and biostability, making them efficient gene carriers. For example, single-walled carbon nanotubes complexed with chitosan can transfer DNA into chloroplasts of mature plants.1
In addition, nanoparticles based on organic polymers, lipids, peptides, and vesicles also function as bioactive carriers in gene delivery and editing.1 Polymeric nanoparticles allow the combined application of gene therapy and anticancer drugs or nano agents for photothermal therapy, enhancing targeted delivery and therapeutic potency.2
The successful expression of exogenous genes requires stable integration to develop transgenic plants. Nanoparticles help maintain the stability of the genes of interest due to their small size and surface effects.1 The tunable physicochemical properties of nanocomposites also allow easy conjugation with various functional materials.2
Different nanomaterials behave differently in specific plant cells, requiring thorough dose optimization and spectral tuning for various species. The biomolecule-binding affinity of nanoparticles varies with their structure, charge, chemical composition, and surface area. Thus, it is crucial to ensure that nanoparticles do not interfere with cellular processes to avoid disrupting cell structural stability and metabolic pathways.
Nanorobots, controlled devices made up of nanometric components, can interact with and diffuse through cellular membranes. This direct access to the cellular level improves cancer treatment efficiency through novel methods like gene therapy, including gene correction, silencing, activation, and editing.5
Nanotechnology Gene Manipulation CRISPR Nanomedicine Gene Editing
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