Iman M. Alfagih

By Iman M. Alfagih

The discovery of RNA interference (RNAi) in mammalian cells in 2001 opened up a new class of candidate therapeutics for hard-to-cure diseases like inflammatory bowel diseases. The main challenge for the development of RNAi-based therapeutics is the efficient and safe delivery of RNAi since the RNAi machinery is housed in the cytoplasm. Among the various approaches to active targeting, liposome-based delivery systems are innovative and promising systems to transport and control RNAi molecules release and overcome some of their limitations. Many RNAis in lipid formulations have progressed through various stages of clinical trials, with the measurable improvements in patients and no side effects. For colon targeting, liposomes can be manipulated by different methods. This chapter discusses the progress in delivering RNAi molecules to the colon using liposomes.

Part of the book: Liposomes

By Iman M. Alfagih

Nanoparticles (NPs) offer a promising solution for orally delivering therapeutic substances due to their capability to surpass traditional drug delivery system (DDS) limitations like low solubility, bioavailability, and stability. However, the possible toxic effects of using NPs for oral therapeutic delivery raise significant concerns, as they might interact with biological systems unexpectedly. This chapter aims to comprehensively understand the potential toxicity of NPs employed in oral therapeutic delivery. Factors such as size, surface area, surface charge, and surface chemistry of NPs can impact their toxicity levels. Both in vitro and in vivo models have been utilised to evaluate NPs toxicity, with in vivo models being more suitable for anticipating human toxicity. The possible toxic consequences of different NPs varieties, including polymer, lipid, and metal NPs, have been documented. Ultimately, grasping the potential toxicity of NPs in oral therapeutic delivery is essential for creating safe and effective DDS.

Part of the book: Toxicity of Nanoparticles