68 Discussion and Future Perspectives

This polymer structure is a really important way to transport many different types of therapies to hard to reach places. The tunability of the particle to account for size or to be reactive to certain conditions like pH. It is because of the polymer outside layer that allows the mRNA to be transported to the cells. Otherwise the mRNA is too fragile to remain intact to the location. This polymer structure is being used in multiple applications to transport nanoparticles to areas of the body that were not possible before.

Some cool future endeavors are that this technique is being used for multiple virus vaccines and clinical trials have started for some cancers. The lipid structure is great at protecting nano particles around the body to get them into hard to reach places. Some non-vaccine applications are targeted MRI contrast that is delivered through this lipid nanoparticle system. Another is enzyme release therapy into the brain to treat neurological disorders.  The MRI contrast is iron based and can infiltrate the blood brain barrier which will provide better imaging to medical providers.

This technology could be used for a lot of gene therapy’s and for treatment of neurological diseases that previously had no treatment which is going to help a lot of people. Some challenges are going to come from the public perceptions of this technology due to its politicization during the covid crisis.