Recent advances in engineering approaches for delivery of mRNA-based therapeutics

Nucleic acid-based treatments, particularly those based on messenger RNA (mRNA) interventions, have recently revolutionized the biomedical fields through breakthroughs in both their formulations and delivery systems. Successful use of mRNA vaccines is just one such example, illustrating the outstanding potential of this technology due to its expedited development, more focused immuno-responses, higher effectiveness, safety, scalability and ability for rapid clinical development. This review focused on the novelty of emerging mRNA delivery carriers and engineering techniques in improving the translational efficiency, biosafety, and efficacy of mRNA-based therapeutics. We critically evaluate their potential for applications beyond prophylactic vaccines, such as protein replacement therapy, cancer immunotherapy, and gene editing. Recent advancements in controlled release systems for mRNA-based therapeutics and their mechanisms of action have also been discussed. We identify critical gaps hindering clinical translation, including biosafety, stability, scalability, and limitations associated with harnessing the potential of mRNA-based therapeutics. Finally, we provide a future perspective on the key milestone, emphasizing the need for rational design, biological characterization to fully unlock the potential of mRNA-based therapeutics.