Smart Carriers, Smarter Cures: Stimuli-responsive Nanomaterials for Precision Messenger RNA Delivery

Abstract

Against the backdrop of modern medical progress, messenger RNA (mRNA) holds a bright future, yet its
therapeutic potential highly relies on effective delivery. This review, “Smart Carriers for Smarter Cures,” explores
the innovative use of stimuli-responsive nanomaterials as protective and precise carriers for mRNA. We first
understand the innate challenges of mRNA transport, including its susceptibility to enzymatic degradation and its
difficulty in crossing cell membranes independently. The core of our discussion focuses on how these smart carriers
support biological and external triggers for highly targeted drug release. Further, we study how they respond to a
variety of cues, such as shifts in pH and redox potential within the body, as well as external stimuli like light. This
focused approach reduces unintended effects and increases therapeutic capability. We also try and understand the
variety of carrier types, such as lipid nanoparticles and polymeric systems. We deeply discuss the mechanisms
that they use for cargo delivery too. In a nutshell, this review highlights the main impact of these technologies
across various applications, like the important development of advanced mRNA vaccines and customized cancer
treatments. By identifying the important delivery hurdles, these intelligent nanocarriers are recreating a new era in
nanomedicine and gene therapy where our future is full of more effective and safer treatments.