Modification of inorganic porous materials as gene vectors: an overview

The use of porous materials as gene vectors is becoming more important and striking than their traditional uses in catalysis and separation. This article highlights recent advances in the modification of typical inorganic porous materials which are specifically and necessarily conducted for their uses as gene vectors. Literature survey indicates that carbon nanotubes, layered double hydroxides, mesoporous silica and carbon nanoparticles and the related hierarchical materials have received particular attention in recent years. Though these inorganic porous materials have high surface area and porosity, to choose surface modification judiciously is often required for improving their performances in the loading of genes, targeted delivery and controlled release of genes. Major modification methods are adsorption or grafting of other molecules onto the surface of these inorganic porous materials. In addition, modification by adding magnetic nanoparticles to the porous materials has been investigated. Nevertheless, thus far most studies on the modification have aimed merely at the improvement of the loading, the delivery and the release of gene. Exact biocompatibility and in vivo therapy effectiveness remains elusive and are still in question.