6 Conclusion
This review has focused on the potential use of dendrimers, the combination of dendrimers with other transfection techniques, and the use of dendrimer conjugates for DNA and ODN delivery in vitro and in vivo.
Recently, other biologically functional small nucleic acids, such as small interfering RNA and micro RNA, have been developed for clinical applications. Dendrimers may be useful as carriers for these small RNAs. In fact, we have shown the use of a-CDE conjugates as a carrier for siRNA in vitro.
Currently, there are no clinical trials using either dendrimers or other cationic polymers, despite the large number of in vitro and in vivo studies showing the potential applications of DNA complexes with dendrimers. The most important reason is the low efficiency of gene transfection, in vitro and in vivo, obtained with polyplexes. Thus, a more rational and intelligent molecular design of dendrimers and their conjugates is needed in order to improve transfection efficiency and to minimize cytotoxicity and side effects. In addition, the pharmaceutical technological aspects should be emphasized so that the carriers are safe for clinical use.
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Arima, H. (2005). Dendrimers as DNA Carriers. In: Taira, K., Kataoka, K., Niidome, T. (eds) Non-viral Gene Therapy. Springer, Tokyo. https://doi.org/10.1007/4-431-27879-6_7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/4-431-27879-6_7
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