Figure 2.

(a) Schematic of cell internalization pathways. Internalization can occur by three main mechanisms: clathrin-mediated, caveolin-mediated, and clathrin-caveolin independent internalization. The schematic shows two alternatives of CRISPR delivery: one using a viral vector for plasmid delivery (left) and liposomes for delivering RNP (right). The processes of maturation and endosome escape are also illustrated. Specific routes for endosome escape can vary for each delivery vehicle. (b) Schematic showing the nanostructured carriers currently used for delivery in CRISPR applications. Overall, nanostructured carriers can be divided into three subgroups: inorganic, organic, and polymeric-based vehicles. Similarly, nanohybrids are shown at the intersection of these families of nanostructured carriers. Nanohybrids of inorganic-inorganic materials were not included in this schematic. Alternative surface modifications can be incorporated to enhance the properties of each nanostructured vehicle shown, incorporating translocating proteins and pH-sensitive moieties. Depending on their unique characteristics, each delivery vehicle can also deliver either RNP or plasmid encoding for the CRISPR elements. Designed with biorender.com.