Research Article Open Access

Droplet-based Microfluidic Systems for Production and Transfection In Vitro of Non-Viral Vectors for Gene Delivery

Abstract

Nowadays, many researchers in the field of gene delivery are focused on develop methods to produce nanoparticles with physicochemical characteristics in reproducible, continuous and scalable process without requiring post processing steps. Another key factor is to transpose conditions from in vivo gene delivery into cells and tissue to in vitro. In this context, microfluidics technology is emerging to replace the traditional methods to produce nanoparticles, incorporate nucleic acids into them and transfect cells in vitro. Within microfluidics, droplet-based systems have been highlighted by some special parameters provided by picoliter compartments created using two immiscible liquids. Several micro/ nanoparticles used in gene delivery can be produced through dropletbased systems with low polydispersity index, such as liposomes, bio/ polymeric nanoparticles, metal nanoparticles, polymersomes, microgels. In the case of in vitro transfection, it is known that conventional procedure in wells lead to a diffusive micro/nanoparticles transport to cells, however in droplet microfluidic platforms there is also the convective contribution that facilitates and enhances the control of transfection. Moreover, hydrogel droplets can provide a 3D environment for cells similar to living tissues, achieving cell behavior in vitro more similar to in vivo. Thus, the purpose of this review is to summarize new trends in microfluidic droplet systems developed to gene delivery studies, since micro/nanoparticles production to transfection in vitro. This review brings new insights for future challenges and shows that with theoretical principles we can develop robust microfluidic systems to gene delivery studies

Micaela Tamara Vitor, Caroline Casagrande Sipoli, Lucimara Gaziola De La Torre

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