A non-viral vector is a synthetic or semi-synthetic delivery system designed to introduce nucleic acids — such as DNA, mRNA, or siRNA — into target cells without the use of a biological virus. Non-viral delivery platforms include lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, electroporation, and naked DNA formulations, and offer advantages over viral vectors in terms of manufacturing scalability, reduced immunogenicity, large cargo capacity, and lower biosafety requirements. They are increasingly used in gene therapy, mRNA therapeutics, and vaccine development, and represent one of the fastest-growing areas in advanced therapy manufacturing."
