Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026
11:33
Synthesis of Infectious Bacteriophages in an E. coli-based Cell-free Expression System
Published on: August 17, 2017
Bacteriophages as templates for manufacturing supramolecular structures
Nuriye Korkmaz1, Young Jun Kim, Chang Hoon Nam
1Nanomedicine, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Europe Forschungsgesellschaft mbH, Campus E 71, 66123 Saarbruecken, Germany. n.korkmaz@kist-europe.de
Macromolecular Bioscience
|November 21, 2012
Summary
Genetically engineered phages (SS phages) exhibit reduced surface charge compared to wild-type fd phages. These modified phages can be mineralized into scaffolds for potential bioengineering applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Filamentous bacteriophages like fd phage are utilized as scaffolds in bioengineering.
- Genetic engineering offers a method to modify phage properties for tailored applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To genetically engineer fd phages (SS phages) by altering the p8 coat protein.
- To characterize the physical and chemical properties of engineered SS phages.
- To explore the potential of SS phages as scaffolds for mineralization and biomaterial formation.
Main Methods:
- Genetic modification of the p8 coat protein of fd phage.
- Age and zeta potential measurements for surface charge analysis.
- Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and immunofluorescence for morphology.
- Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy for elemental analysis of mineralized samples.
Main Results:
- SS phages possess at least 25% less net negative surface charge than fd phages.
- Phage morphology and thickness were characterized under varying counterion concentrations.
- CoCl2 and CaCl2 induced bundles were successfully metallized or biomineralized.
- EDX confirmed the presence of Cobalt, Phosphorus, and Calcium in mineralized structures.
Conclusions:
- Genetic engineering of phage coat proteins can significantly alter surface charge.
- Engineered SS phages serve as versatile scaffolds for both metallization and biomineralization.
- These phage-based scaffolds show promise for applications in bioengineering and materials science.
Related Concept Videos
01:26DNA Bacteriophages
Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically infect bacteria, utilizing their genetic material to hijack host cellular machinery for replication. DNA bacteriophages employ single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) or double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) genomes. These phages exhibit diverse replication strategies and host interactions, influencing their ecological roles and applications in biotechnology and medicine.ssDNA BacteriophagesssDNA phages, with their small genomes, utilize unique strategies to...
01:30Lytic Cycle of Bacteriophages
Bacteriophages, also known as phages, are specialized viruses that infect bacteria. A key characteristic of phages is their distinctive “head-tail” morphology. A phage begins the infection process (i.e., lytic cycle) by attaching to the outside of a bacterial cell. Attachment is accomplished via proteins in the phage tail that bind to specific receptor proteins on the outer surface of the bacterium. The tail injects the phage’s DNA genome into the bacterial cytoplasm. In the lytic replication...
01:20Viral Replication: Lytic Cycle
Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically infect bacteria. Among them, T-even bacteriophages, such as T4, exhibit a well-characterized lytic replication cycle in Escherichia coli (E. coli). This process ensures the rapid proliferation of the virus while ultimately leading to the destruction of the bacterial host.Attachment and DNA InjectionThe infection process begins with the recognition and binding of the T4 phage to the E. coli cell surface. Tail fibers of the phage...
00:43Lysogenic Cycle of Bacteriophages
In contrast to the lytic cycle, phages infecting bacteria via the lysogenic cycle do not immediately kill their host cell. Instead, they combine their genome with the host genome, allowing the bacteria to replicate the phage DNA along with the bacterial genome. The incorporated copy of the phage genome is called the prophage. Some prophages can re-activate and enter the lytic cycle. This often occurs in response to a perturbation, such as DNA damage, but can also transpire in the absence of...
00:56Viral Structure
Viruses are extraordinarily diverse in shape and size, but they all have several structural features in common. All viruses have a core that contains a DNA- or RNA-based genome. The core is surrounded by a protective coat of proteins called the capsid. The capsid is composed of subunits called capsomeres. The capsid and genome-containing core are together known as the nucleocapsid.
02:41Protein Complex Assembly
Proteins can form homomeric complexes with another unit of the same protein or heteromeric complexes with different types. Most protein complexes self-assemble spontaneously via ordered pathways, while some proteins need assembly factors that guide their proper assembly. Despite the crowded intracellular environment, proteins usually interact with their correct partners and form functional complexes.
Many viruses self-assemble into a fully functional unit using the infected host cell to...
Many viruses self-assemble into a fully functional unit using the infected host cell to...