Abstract

MAGNET-GUIDED NANOVECTORS AS AGENTS FOR MAGNETOFECTION IN THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT OF SOLID TUMORS

Dhruti Avlani*, Sutapa Biswas Majee and Gopa Roy Biswas

Abstract

Efficient delivery and accumulation of gene into solid tumors via physical and chemical methods is restricted by lack of tissue selectivity, host cell tropism, immunogenicity and several other factors. Magnetofection shows great promise in external magnetguided delivery of different types of nucleic acids, non-viral transfection systems and viruses via nanoparticles in therapeutic management of solid tumors. These nanovectors are endocytosed by the target cells leading to high concentration of vector accumulation and retention of genetic payload at significantly higher level inside tumor tissues. Transfection efficiency by magnetofection can be influenced by judicious selection of cells of proper type and of good health and viability, in addition to choice of ideal polymer. The technique has been exploited for gene delivery to internal organs and to central nervous system. Due to its several advantages, it is employed as an ideal research tool for genetic engineering. Magnetofection, therefore, has the potential to turn the challenge of gene therapy in vivo into a new frontier for treatment of solid tumors.

Keywords: solid tumor, gene therapy, viral and non-viral vectors, magnetofection.