Nanoengineering Systems for Gene Therapy: Mechanisms, Modalities, and Future Directions

Abstract

Nanotechnology has become an important platform in the fields of gene therapy and genome editing, providing delivery strategies that address persistent therapeutic challenges by improving the precision, efficiency, and safety of genetic modifications. This review highlights the central role of nanomaterials in overcoming persistent barriers to genetic interventions, including inefficient delivery, instability of genetic cargo, and off-target effects. Specifically, we emphasize the combined use of nanomaterials with clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR-associated proteins (CRISPR-Cas) systems, which can improve editing specificity and therapeutic efficacy. Beyond the classical CRISPR/Cas9 platform, this review also discusses next-generation modalities such as base editors, Cas13, prime editing, and the recently described Tandem Interspaced Guide RNA and TIGR-associated protein (TIGR-Tas) system, while considering their therapeutic potential and distinct delivery challenges. By using nanomaterials, the stability and intracellular delivery of genome-editing systems are improved, enabling more effective treatments for genetic disorders and acquired diseases such as cancer and infectious diseases. In addition, nanocarriers provide controlled release, protection from degradation, and better biocompatibility, thereby improving the safety and reliability of gene-editing therapies. Despite these advances, important translational challenges remain, including immunotoxicity, large-scale manufacturing, and regulatory integration. Overall, the continued convergence of nanotechnology and genome engineering may support the development of personalized medicine strategies that adapt genetic engineering tools for patient-specific applications.