Polyester based nanovehicles for siRNA delivery

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) has potential as therapeutic agents against various diseases because it can reversibly silence any gene with high efficiency and specificity. Unmodified siRNA is a hydrophilic molecule with negative charge, which is unstable in the bloodstream and cannot freely cross cell membranes. Therefore, the safe and effective delivery systems are necessary to achieve siRNA-based therapeutics. This review will summarize the polyester nanovehicles which are being employed to deliver siRNA, mainly including poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL) and some other polyesters. The characteristics of these polyester nanovehicles including their structural properties and functional modifications will be thoroughly demonstrated, which is intended to improve the therapeutic effects of siRNA.