Biomaterial Scaffolds for Controlled, Localized Gene Delivery of Regenerative Factors.

Significance: Biomaterials play central roles in tissue regeneration by maintaining a space for tissue growth and facilitating its integration with the host. The regenerative capacity of materials can be enhanced through delivery of factors that promote tissue formation. Gene delivery is a versatile strategy to obtain sustained production of tissue inductive factors.

Hydrogels for lentiviral gene delivery.

Introduction: Gene delivery from hydrogel biomaterials provides a fundamental tool for a variety of clinical applications including regenerative medicine, gene therapy for inherited disorders and drug delivery. The high water content and mild gelation conditions of hydrogels support their use for gene delivery by preserving activity of lentiviral vectors and acting to shield vectors from any host immune response.

Areas Covered: Strategies to control lentiviral entrapment within and retention/release from hydrogels are reviewed.