Level D· Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studiesNarrative ReviewEurope PMCOpen access

Biomaterial-Based Nucleic Acid Delivery Systems for In Situ Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

Wu QX., De Isla N., Zhang L.

Narrative Review, published in Int J Mol Sci (2025) — summary generated from the PubMed abstract.

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Level D· Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studiesEvidence level of this study

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

  • Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
  • Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
  • Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
  • Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
  • Emerging · Emerging topic under active research
Read the A–D evidence level guide

This page is generated from the PubMed record. The Thai description is an automated summary of bibliographic fields and the abstract, not a full translation, and is not medical advice.

Study type
Narrative Review
Journal
Int J Mol Sci (2025)
Reported sample size
—
Source database
Europe PMC
PMID
40806513
PMCID
PMC12346993
DOI
10.3390/ijms26157384
Citations
3

Abstract (original English)

Gene therapy is a groundbreaking strategy in regenerative medicine, enabling precise cellular behavior modulation for tissue repair. In situ nucleic acid delivery systems aim to directly deliver nucleic acids to target cells or tissues to realize localized genetic reprogramming and avoid issues like donor cell dependency and immune rejection. The key to success relies on biomaterial-engineered delivery platforms that ensure tissue-specific targeting and efficient intracellular transport. Viral vectors and non-viral carriers are strategically modified to enhance nucleic acid stability and cellular uptake, and integrate them into injectable or 3D-printed scaffolds. These scaffolds not only control nucleic acid release but also mimic native extracellular microenvironments to support stem cell recruitment and tissue regeneration. This review explores three key aspects: the mechanisms of gene editing in tissue repair; advancements in viral and non-viral vector engineering; and innovations in biomaterial scaffolds, including stimuli-responsive hydrogels and 3D-printed matrices. We evaluate scaffold fabrication methodologies, nucleic acid loading-release kinetics, and their biological impacts. Despite progress in spatiotemporal gene delivery control, challenges remain in balancing vector biocompatibility, manufacturing scalability, and long-term safety. Future research should focus on

What this study does not prove

  • • This study does not prove SVF is an approved treatment or a replacement for standard care.
  • • This is a narrative review: it collects no new patient data and does not systematically appraise evidence quality.

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

How we grade evidence
AnimalsHumansNucleic AcidsBiocompatible MaterialsHydrogelsTissue EngineeringGene Transfer TechniquesRegenerative MedicineTissue ScaffoldsGenetic Therapy

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