mRNA nanomedicine: Design and recent applications

Summary

This review outlines design principles for nanomedicines that deliver messenger RNA and surveys their applications. mRNA can instruct cells to make a desired protein directly in the body, potentially shortening development and avoiding some complex protein-manufacturing workflows. Its practical use is limited, however, by molecular fragility and demanding delivery requirements. The authors explain how nanoscale formulations can protect mRNA, prevent unwanted immune activation, direct it toward selected tissues, and release it into the cytosol where translation occurs. These requirements must be balanced: a carrier that protects cargo but cannot reach the appropriate cellular compartment will not provide useful expression. The review then considers current mRNA nanoformulations for viral infections, cancer, and genetic disease, placing recent technologies within a rapidly changing clinical and engineering landscape. Its principal contribution is an integrated framework linking carrier composition and biological barriers to therapeutic purpose, rather than describing a single new particle. The significance is the potential to expand mRNA medicine beyond its existing successes. The abstract does not compare formulations quantitatively, state systematic review methods, or establish long-term safety, repeat-dose feasibility, tissue specificity, and clinical effectiveness across the proposed disease areas.