Novel Therapeutic Delivery Modalities in Molecular Biology

The field of therapeutic delivery has entered a transformative phase, spurred by advances in nanotechnology, biomaterials, and biotechnology. Conventional drug administration methods often face significant limitations such as poor bioavailability, low stability in physiological environments, and inadequate targeting, leading to suboptimal therapeutic outcomes and increased side effects. Recent work has led to the development of sophisticated delivery systems capable of tissue-specific, controlled, and stimulus-responsive release, while integrating gene editing tools such as CRISPR via innovative carriers like viral vectors, lipid nanoparticles, and engineered microorganisms. These developments have opened new pathways for treating genetic, oncological, and infectious diseases. Nonetheless, persistent challenges remain in overcoming biological barriers, ensuring stability and safety in vivo, and scaling up platform manufacturing. Critical areas of research focus include minimizing immunogenicity, optimizing delivery across complex biological barriers, and improving the design of materials that combine both biological and synthetic elements for safer and more effective outcomes.This Research Topic aims to advance the next generation of therapeutic delivery modalities that move beyond conventional formulations to significantly enhance the precision, safety, and efficacy of complex treatments. Specifically, the objective is to explore how multidisciplinary strategies - drawing from nanotechnology, synthetic biology, and bioengineering - can overcome fundamental barriers to effective therapeutic delivery. The focus is on designing, developing, and characterizing novel delivery systems for small molecules, biologics, and gene-editing tools, with an emphasis on achieving controlled, tissue-specific release and robust in vivo performance. Key questions include the mechanisms of action, the ability to address intracellular or tissue-specific barriers, and the potential for scalable manufacturing and regulatory approval.To gather further insights in advanced therapeutic delivery systems, we are seeking articles that explore innovative platform design, mechanistic studies, and translational aspects excluding clinical trial outcomes. We invite work focused on preclinical research, technological advancement, regulation, and conceptual innovation, but not on clinical trials or direct clinical outcomes. Articles may address, but are not limited to, the following key themes:- Nanoparticle and biomaterial-based delivery systems for targeted and controlled release- Gene and cell therapy delivery platforms (e.g., CRISPR, mRNA, viral and non-viral systems)- Microorganism and biomimetic-based delivery vehicles (e.g., engineered bacteria, fungi, exosomes, or viruses)- Smart and stimuli-responsive delivery systems- Therapeutic delivery across biological barriers (e.g., blood-brain barrier, mucosal surfaces)- Translational and regulatory perspectives on advanced delivery technologies Topic editors: Kamran Rizzolo, Keith Wong, Chandrav De, Erik Martin, Erik Hansen Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/74935/novel-therapeutic-delivery-modalities-in-molecular-biology