Nanotechnology based CRISPR/Cas9 system delivery for genome editing: Progress and prospect

The genome editing tool, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 system, has achieved successful therapeutic efficacy via precise modification of the genome and exceeded previous genome engineering methods owing to its versatility and simplicity. Rapid expansion in biomedical research has benefited from this newly emerged technique, such as genetic diseases treatment, cancer characterization, and plant improvement. However, the key challenge is efficient delivery of CRISPR components in vivo and nanotechnology plays an indispensable role in nonviral gene delivery. In this review, we will first briefly describe the mechanism and delivery strategies of CRISPR/Cas9 system. Furthermore, the past and current researches of nanoparticles based CRISPR/Cas9 system delivery for genome editing will be highlighted. Finally, we will discuss the challenges and prospects of CRISPR/Cas9 system combined with nanotechnology for clinical translation in the future.