Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 25, 2026
10:18
Making Conjugation-induced Fluorescent PEGylated Virus-like Particles by Dibromomaleimide-disulfide Chemistry
Published on: May 27, 2018
7.4K
Fluorescent Functionalization across Quaternary Structure in a Virus-like Particle.
Zhuo Chen1, Stefanie D Boyd1, Jenifer S Calvo1
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, ‡Department of Biological Sciences, and §School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas , Richardson, Texas 75080, United States.
Bioconjugate Chemistry
|August 9, 2017
Summary
Researchers developed a new bioconjugation method for virus-like particles (VLPs). This technique enhances VLP functionality, creating stable, fluorescent probes for biomedical research.
Area of Science:
- Bioconjugation Chemistry
- Nanomaterials Science
- Protein Engineering
Background:
- Proteinaceous nanomaterials, particularly virus-like particles (VLPs), offer robust platforms for biomedical applications.
- Limited bioconjugation strategies exist for VLP functionalization, especially across quaternary structures.
- Novel methods are needed to expand VLP utility in research and diagnostics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel bioconjugation strategy for functionalizing VLP Qβ capsids.
- To introduce new functional handles by modifying structurally important disulfides.
- To create fluorescently labeled VLPs without compromising stability.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the dibromomaleimide moiety for bioconjugation on VLP Qβ.
- Exploited the reaction to break and rebridge exposed disulfides.
- Assessed particle stability and introduced fluorescence for in vitro tracking.
Main Results:
- Successfully functionalized VLP Qβ using the dibromomaleimide strategy.
- Retained the quaternary structure stability post-bioconjugation.
- Generated brightly fluorescent VLPs detectable in vitro.
Conclusions:
- The dibromomaleimide bioconjugation efficiently introduces functional handles into VLPs.
- This method maintains VLP thermal stability while enabling fluorescence.
- Developed VLPs serve as stable, fluorescent probes for in vitro applications.
