In vivo delivery systems for CRISPR genome editing: Viral and non-viral carriers

For a long time, efficient and safe gene delivery has been a key issue in gene therapy. In particular, after the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) technology in 2020, the focus on delivery systems for genome editing has grown. In this review, we introduce the recent trends in various CRISPR delivery systems. First, we explain the impact of CRISPR in clinical settings and its history. We then focused on the physics of gene delivery systems, particularly regarding the migration of nanoparticles (NPs) under flow, cellular uptake, and formulation using microfluidics. Subsequently, various CRISPR delivery systems, both viral and non-viral, and their applications in disease therapy were introduced. Viral carriers include lentiviruses, adeno-associated viruses, and viral capsids. Exosomes, silica NPs, polymeric NPs, and lipid NPs are representative non-viral gene delivery carriers. We mainly focused on studies demonstrating promising results in animal models, not stopped at cell test considering their future potential for human application.