Frontiers in bioengineering and biotechnologyFeb 9, 2026

Improving CRISPR/Cas delivery using tiny particles from fats and natural cell bubbles

mRNA Technology Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗OA ↗

Updated Feb 10, 2026

Abstract

Ionizable lipid nanoparticles are identified as the most advanced carriers for delivering nucleic acids and CRISPR systems.

Gene and genome editing therapies utilize nanomaterials to protect and transport nucleic acids and CRISPR/Cas systems.
Different types of nanocarriers, such as lipid-based and polymeric systems, can enhance delivery efficiency and cell targeting.
Design factors like surface ligands and charge modification influence the effectiveness of these carriers in reaching target cells.
Early clinical and preclinical studies indicate varying performance among carrier types, with some showing promise for improved on-target delivery.
Ethical and regulatory concerns regarding gene editing are acknowledged, along with methods to study interactions between nanomaterials and biological systems.

Simplified

Gene and genome editing therapies are increasingly connected with nanomaterials, which protect and transport fragile nucleic acids and CRISPR/Cas systems through biological barriers safely and accurately. This review discusses how different nanocarriers, including lipid-based, polymeric, inorganic, and vesicle-derived systems, can improve delivery efficiency, cell targeting, endosomal escape, and intracellular movement for gene and genome editing. It summarizes findings from early clinical and preclinical studies, comparing several carrier types such as ionizable lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, micelles, gold and silica nanostructures, and engineered extracellular vesicles. The review also explains how specific design factors, such as surface ligands, charge modification, PEGylation, and stimulus-responsive behaviors, influence biodistribution, and improve on-target efficiency while lowering immune responses and off-target effects. Ethical and regulatory concerns forediting are highlighted, along with current methods used to study nano-bio interactions. Among these carriers, ionizable lipid nanoparticles show the most advanced performance for delivering nucleic acids and CRISPR systems. However, new polymer-based and exosome-inspired carriers are progressing rapidly for repeated and targeted applications. Hybrid and responsive systems may also enable better spatial and temporal control of editing. Future research should focus on strongerpotency testing, improved biocompatibility evaluation, and standardized manufacturing to ensure clinical safety and reliability. in vivo in vivo

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Competing interests

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

PubMed

Improving CRISPR/Cas delivery using tiny particles from fats and natural cell bubbles

Abstract

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Funding

Competing interests

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Abstract

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Funding

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