Non-viral nanocarriers for intracellular delivery of microRNA therapeutics

MicroRNAs are small regulatory noncoding RNAs that regulate various biological processes associated with neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and viral infection. MiRNA-based therapeutics have broad applications including cancer immunotherapy, genomic engineering and protein replacement therapy. Until now, a variety of materials have been proved to be promising as non-viral nanocarriers for intracellular delivery of miRNAs, such as polymeric nanoparticles, lipid nanocapsules, and inorganic nanoparticles, etc. In this review, we will present the strategies for intracellular miRNA delivery, and specially focus on rationally designed routes, their mechanisms of action, and potential therapeutics used in the host cells or in vivo studies. Futhermore, we will also make a conclusion based on the current development. The perspective on the new generation of delivery systems toward the emerging area of miRNA-based therapeutics will be discussed as well.