Integrating Biomaterials and Genome Editing Approaches to Advance Biomedical Science

Abstract

The recent discovery and subsequent development of the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)–CRISPR-associated (Cas) platform as a precise genome editing tool have transformed biomedicine. As these CRISPR-based tools have matured, multiple stages of the gene editing process and the bioengineering of human cells and tissues have advanced. Here, we highlight recent intersections in the development of biomaterials and genome editing technologies. These intersections include the delivery of macromolecules, where biomaterial platforms have been harnessed to enable nonviral delivery of genome engineering tools to cells and tissues in vivo. Further, engineering native-like biomaterial platforms for cell culture facilitates complex modeling of human development and disease when combined with genome engineering tools. Deeper integration of biomaterial platforms in these fields could play a significant role in enabling new breakthroughs in the application of gene editing for the treatment of human disease. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering, Volume 23 is June 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

Biomaterials-mediated CRISPR/Cas9 delivery: recent challenges and opportunities in gene therapy

“…Biomaterials have traditionally been investigated for use in regenerative medicine administration, despite their uptake into drug development being slower than viral vectors ( Figure 2 ) ( Han et al, 2022a ). However, given recent success in employing nonviral platforms for vaccines and rising pressures in biomanufacturing viral vectors to fulfill the greater needs for regenerative medicine, current trends show a revived interest in nonviral platforms ( Ramamoorth and Narvekar, 2015 ; Abdeen et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Scalability and Manufacturing: For clinical translation, it is crucial to develop scalable and reproducible manufacturing processes for biomaterials-mediated CRISPR/Cas9 delivery systems. Manufacturing considerations, such as scalability, cost-effectiveness, and quality control, need to be addressed to ensure consistent and reliable production of biomaterials ( Abdeen and Saha, 2017 ; Abdeen et al, 2021 ). 7.…”

“…Simultaneously, gene editing tools and complex biomaterial culture systems were introduced to help us better understand human sickness and cellular function in much more ecological conditions. CRISPR–Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat–CRISPR associated protein) is being used in novel ways to help researchers and manufacturers create revolutionary biomaterial frameworks ( Abdeen et al, 2021 ; Nadakuduti and Enciso-Rodriguez, 2021 ).…”

CRISPR/Cas-Based Modifications for Therapeutic Applications: A Review

“…Apart from therapeutic applications, CRISPR shows that gene editing technology has the potential to impact a wide range of sectors. Crispr could also be used for pet breeding, allergyfree food production, the production of greener fuels, and pest control which are reviewed in the literature [52][53][54][55].…”