Polymers for mRNA Delivery

mRNA delivery has emerged as a transformative approach in biotechnology and medicine, offering a versatile platform for the development of novel therapeutics. Unlike traditional small molecule drugs or protein-based biologics, mRNA therapeutics have the unique ability to direct cells to generate therapeutic proteins, allowing for precise modulation of biological processes. The delivery of mRNA into target cells is a critical step in realizing the therapeutic potential of this technology. In this review, our focus is on the latest advancements in designing functional polymers to achieve efficient mRNA delivery. Biodegradable polymers and low molecular weight polymers in addressing the balance in mRNA binding and release are summarized. Benefiting from the excellent performance of lipid nanoparticles in mRNA delivery, polymer/lipid hybrid nanostructures are also included. Finally, the challenges and future prospects in the development of polymer-based mRNA delivery systems are discussed.