Research Information System
in: Encyclopedia of Biomedical Polymers and Polymeric Biomaterials, Munmaya M., Editor, Taylor & Francis, New York, pp.1735-1749, 2016
Gene delivery is the most innovative therapeutic method in the field of the molecular
medicine. Viral and non-viral vectors, which are the carrier systems for the gene
transfer, are used for the gene delivery. Since the development and use of the first
non-viral vector, the various synthetic, natural and modified natural cationic polymers
have been used for gene delivery applications and investigated their transfection
efficiency. Chitosan, which is the biodegradable and non-toxic cationic polysaccharide,
are generally preferred than the other cationic polymers as a non-viral vector due to
the mainly its properties of chemical versatility, excellence in transcellular transport,
effective DNA-condensing agent, efficient and permanent transfection. The objective of
this review is to indicate the importance and give an overview of applications of
chitosan and its derivatives as novel non-viral vectors for gene delivery.