Albumin Nanostructures for Nucleic Acid Delivery in Cancer: Current Trend, Emerging Issues, and Possible Solutions

Abstract

Cancer is one of the major health problems worldwide, and hence, suitable therapies with enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects are desired. Gene therapy, involving plasmids, small interfering RNAs, and antisense oligonucleotides have been showing promising potential in cancer therapy. In recent years, the preparation of various carriers for nucleic acid delivery to the tumor sites is gaining attention since intracellular and extracellular barriers impart major challenges in the delivery of naked nucleic acids. Albumin is a versatile protein being used widely for developing carriers for nucleic acids. It provides biocompatibility, tumor specificity, the possibility for surface modification, and reduces toxicity. In this review, the advantages of using nucleic acids in cancer therapy and the challenges associated with their delivery are presented. The focus of this article is on the different types of albumin nanocarriers, such as nanoparticles, polyplexes, and nanoconjugates, employed to overcome the limitations of the direct use of nucleic acids in vivo. This review also highlights various approaches for the modification of the surface of albumin to enhance its transfection efficiency and targeted delivery in the tumor sites.

BSA-PEI Nanoparticle Mediated Efficient Delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 into MDA-MB-231 Cells

“…The precise delivery of UCNPs-Cas9 into hepatocytes was obtained by using the principle of immune escape and the homotypic targeting potential of CMs [ 53 ]. Generally, bio-inspired nanomaterials, such as albumin-based nanoparticles, do not show an adverse interaction with serum and enable the safe and efficient release of cargo into the cell cytoplasm [ 54 ]. Our findings showed that, BSA-PEI NPs can also be a promising carrier to deliver CRISPR/Cas9 into other types of cells for gene editing in the future.…”

Serum albumin and nucleic acids biodistribution: From molecular aspects to biotechnological applications

“…Several drugs and therapeutic NAs (TNAs) can be encapsulated into SA-based nanocarriers via electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions, as well as covalent conjugation. 82,106,121,127,135,138,144 Here, new perspectives into SA plasmatic functions and therapeutic applications are provided, highlighting the molecular aspects of SA:NAs recognition and the potential biotechnological implications of SA-based TNA delivery.…”

Serum Albumin Nanoparticles: Problems and Prospects

“…The most commonly used albumins include egg-white (called ovalbumin), bovine serum albumin (BSA) and human serum albumin (HSA) (Figure 1) [43][44][45][46]. Among them, BSA is widely accepted and applied in research because of its low cost, and easy availability and purification [47]. However, milk, soy and legumes, among others, provide a new class of albumin base, recently providing the possibility for so-called green preparation [48].…”

“…Similar experiments may shed a light on the design of functional NPs and the influence of geometrical traits of cells such as cell spreading area and cell shape on the uptake of NPs. [30,47] There is some basic, technical scientific research aspects that should be handled prior to moving forward to the next step. For instance, the effects of synthesis conditions (such as particles size and stability and special properties of SANPs) on the applicability of NPs in general should be regarded.…”