ABSTRACT
The process of RNA interference (RNAi) by which cellular gene expression is controlled through the specific action of small interfering RNA (siRNA) is set to revolutionalise disease treatment. A greater understanding of the RNA pathway has resulted in an expanding repertoire of potential RNAi-based drugs whose action is dependent on intracellular target interaction. This work describes the use of polymeric nanoparticles used to overcome intracellular barriers and facilitate interaction of RNAi triggers with the RNAi machinery. Focus will be given to bioresponsive nanoparticles based on copolypeptides and hyperbranched polymers for controlling the intracellular spatial and temporal effects of synthetic microRNA and siRNA.
