Delivery of bioactive molecules such as nucleic acid molecules encoding
a protein can be significantly enhanced by immobilization of the bioactive molecule
in a polymeric material adjacent to the cells where delivery is desired, where
the bioactive molecule is encapsulated in a vehicle such as liposomes which facilitates
transfer of the bioactive molecules into the targeted tissue. Targeting of the
bioactive molecules can also be achieved by selection of an encapsulating medium
of an appropriate size whereby the medium serves to deliver the molecules to a
particular target. For example, encapsulation of nucleic acid molecules or biologically
active proteins within biodegradable, biocompatible polymeric microparticles which
are appropriate sized to infiltrate, but remain trapped within, the capillary beds
and alveoli of the lungs can be used for targeted delivery to these regions of
the body following administration to a patient by infusion or injection.
