Nanotechnological approaches for the targeted delivery of CRISPR-Cas systems for genomic modifications, biomolecular sensing, and precision medicine

Abstract

The integration strategies of CRISPR-Cas gene editing systems with nanotechnological approaches have achieved synergistic effects in targeting genes; correcting genetic disorders; and treating, sensing, and diagnosing a variety of cancers and metabolic, immunological, and complex infectious diseases—all having connectivity with distinct genetic cues and mutations. Numerous recent studies have demonstrated the use of the nano-scale properties of nanomaterials to tremendously improve the genomic-editing efficiencies of CRISPR/Cas systems for achieving 50% enhanced bioavailability, improved cell targetability, and gene-level specificity while minimizing immunogenicity, compared with conventional/ordinary delivery techniques. Thus, nano-delivery methods utilizing the unique properties of nanomaterials, molecular interactions, biocompatibility, targeted cellular uptake, and nuclear delivery capability effectively overcame the challenges of inefficient biomolecular delivery, and off-target effects were effectively overcome. Nano -carriers made up of materials such as DNA lattices, lipids, dendrimers, polymers, peptides, and metals (gold, silver, etc.) that were explored for facilitating the precise delivery of CRISPR/Cas components, sensing biomolecules, and diagnostic purposes are discussed in this review report. The ability of DNA scaffold materials to incorporate nano-CRISPR systems, to sense biomolecules, and for targeted cellular delivery of payloads (e.g., Cas9, Cas12, Cas13, and Cas14 proteins and single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs)) maximized gene targeting and improved therapeutic outcomes while achieving up to 90% efficiency compared with common/trivial delivery methods.