Biomaterials for Gene Therapy: A Comprehensive Guide for Biotechnology Students

Question 1

A key challenge in utilizing biomaterials for gene therapy is:

Accepted Answer

Insufficient gene delivery efficiency

Answer

Lack of biocompatible materials

Answer

Limited tissue engineering scaffolds

Answer

Difficulty in scaling up production

Question 2

A crucial property for a biomaterial scaffold used in tissue engineering for gene therapy is:

Accepted Answer

Biodegradability

Answer

Mechanical strength

Answer

Electrical conductivity

Answer

Transparency

Question 3

The primary role of a fusogenic peptide in biomaterial-mediated gene delivery is to:

Accepted Answer

Promote endosomal escape and release of genetic material

Answer

Enhance cell uptake of the gene delivery vector

Answer

Provide structural support to the biomaterial scaffold

Answer

Regulate gene expression within target cells

Question 4

A biomaterial exhibiting intrinsic antimicrobial properties is:

Accepted Answer

Silver nanoparticles

Answer

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)

Answer

Polyethylene oxide (PEO)

Answer

Polycaprolactone (PCL)

Question 5

Tissue engineering scaffolds primarily serve which purpose in gene therapy?

Accepted Answer

Providing structural support and facilitating tissue regeneration

Answer

Delivering genes to target cells

Answer

Regulating immune response

Answer

Enhancing cell proliferation

Question 6

Which biomaterial is commonly employed as a non-viral gene delivery vector due to its biodegradable and biocompatible nature?

Accepted Answer

Chitosan

Answer

Polyethyleneimine

Answer

Liposomes

Answer

Polylactic acid

Question 7

Which biomaterial property is essential for promoting cell adhesion and migration on tissue engineering scaffolds?

Accepted Answer

Biocompatibility

Answer

Biodegradability

Answer

Mechanical strength

Answer

Electrical conductivity

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a type of gene delivery vector commonly used in gene therapy?

Accepted Answer

Embryonic stem cells

Answer

Viral vectors

Answer

Non-viral vectors

Answer

Nanoparticles

Question 9

Which biomaterial is commonly utilized for its ability to encapsulate and protect nucleic acids during gene delivery?

Accepted Answer

Chitosan

Answer

Polyethylene glycol (PEG)

Answer

Hydroxyapatite

Answer

Titanium

Question 10

Which characteristic is paramount when selecting biomaterials for gene therapy applications?

Accepted Answer

Biocompatibility

Answer

Biodegradability

Answer

Mechanical strength

Answer

Electrical conductivity

Question 11

What is the fundamental goal of employing biomaterials in gene therapy?

Accepted Answer

To enhance the efficiency of gene delivery to target cells

Answer

To suppress immune responses that may hinder gene therapy

Answer

To regenerate damaged tissues and restore their function

Answer

To monitor gene expression and track its effects over time

Question 12

Analyze the ethical considerations surrounding the use of biomaterials in gene therapy. Propose balanced strategies to address these concerns.

Accepted Answer

Ensure informed consent, respect patient autonomy, and promote transparent communication.

Answer

Prioritize scientific advancements over potential risks.

Answer

Limit gene therapy to life-threatening conditions.

Answer

Proceed with clinical trials without thorough pre-clinical testing.

Question 13

Which type of biomaterial is commonly used as a gene delivery vector due to its ability to electrostatically interact with and condense negatively charged DNA into nanoparticles?

Accepted Answer

Cationic lipids

Answer

Polymers

Answer

Metals

Answer

Ceramics

Question 14

What is a key advantage of using biomaterials in tissue engineering scaffolds for gene therapy?

Accepted Answer

Controlled and sustained release of therapeutic genes to promote tissue regeneration

Answer

Reduced immunogenicity

Answer

Enhanced mechanical properties of the scaffolds

Question 15

What is the primary function of a targeting ligand in biomaterial-based gene delivery systems?

Accepted Answer

Directing the delivery of therapeutic genes to specific cells or tissues by binding to specific receptors

Answer

Enhancing the stability of the gene delivery vector

Answer

Increasing the transfection efficiency

Question 16

What is a key consideration when designing biomaterials for gene therapy with sustained release properties?

Accepted Answer

Optimizing the biodegradation rate and drug release kinetics to achieve the desired therapeutic effect

Answer

Surface chemistry

Answer

Cost-effectiveness

Answer

Mechanical strength

Question 17

Which regulatory agency is responsible for overseeing the clinical trials and approval of biomaterials for gene therapy in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Answer

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Answer

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Answer

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Question 18

What is the term for the process of using biomaterials to replace or repair damaged tissues or organs?

Accepted Answer

Tissue engineering

Answer

Pharmacogenomics

Answer

Bioinformatics

Answer

Gene targeting

Question 19

What is a promising application of biomaterials in gene therapy for cancer treatment?

Accepted Answer

Targeted delivery of therapeutic genes to cancer cells to inhibit tumor growth

Answer

Diagnosis of early-stage cancers using gene expression profiling

Answer

Prevention of metastasis

Question 20

For in vivo gene therapy targeting dividing cells, which type of gene delivery vector is commonly used?

Accepted Answer

Viral vectors

Answer

Plasmid DNA

Answer

Liposomes

Answer

Polymer nanoparticles

Question 21

When designing a tissue engineering scaffold for gene therapy, what key feature is crucial for enhancing cell attachment and proliferation?

Accepted Answer

Biocompatibility and surface topography

Answer

Electrical conductivity

Answer

Mechanical strength

Answer

Solubility

Question 22

What is a significant challenge associated with the use of biomaterials in gene therapy?

Accepted Answer

Biocompatibility and potential immune response

Answer

Scalability of manufacturing processes

Answer

Cost-effectiveness of treatment

Question 23

Which type of cell is frequently targeted in gene therapy using biomaterials?

Accepted Answer

Stem cells

Answer

Myocytes

Answer

Neurons

Answer

Hepatocytes

Question 24

In tissue engineering for gene therapy, what is the primary function of a scaffold?

Accepted Answer

To provide a structural support for cell growth and differentiation

Answer

To regulate the immune response

Answer

To deliver therapeutic genes directly to cells

Question 25

Which regulatory agency is responsible for overseeing gene therapy products in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Answer

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Answer

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Answer

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Question 26

What is a potential ethical concern associated with gene therapy using biomaterials?

Accepted Answer

Off-target effects and the possibility of germline modifications

Answer

The high cost of treatment

Answer

Limited availability to underserved populations