Vector development is one of the most important challenges facing the successful use of genes for treatment ofdiseases. Although chemically produced vectors offer distinct advantages over biological systems such as viruses, thereare still some hurdles that have to be overcome before synthetic gene delivery vectors can be successfully implemented.This brief review discusses the biological barriers that limit current delivery strategies and reviews currently employedstrategies for plasmid delivery. Nanoparticle-based gene delivery is reviewed along with methods for their characterization,physiochemical properties and toxicity. Finally a prospectus is provided for future development of an ideal syntheticgene delivery vector.
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