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Hybrid Nanoassemblies from Viruses and DNA Nanostructures
Sofia Ojasalo1, Petteri Piskunen1, Boxuan Shen1,2
1Biohybrid Materials, Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16100, 00076 Aalto, Finland.
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 2, 2021
Summary
This review explores virus-DNA hybrid materials, merging viral biological properties with DNA nanotechnology for advanced biomedical applications. These programmable nano-objects show promise for applications like DNA-based vaccines.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Virology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Viruses are natural nanostructures with unique properties for genetic information protection and transfer, leading to biomedical applications.
- Structural DNA nanotechnology offers programmable nanoscale structures with diverse static and dynamic functions.
- Combining viral and DNA nanotechnology creates hybrid materials with synergistic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent developments in virus-DNA hybrid materials.
- To highlight how these hybrids leverage the strengths of both viruses and DNA nanotechnology.
- To discuss potential applications, including DNA-based vaccines.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing DNA shapes as "structured" genomic material to direct virus capsid protein formation.
- Encapsulating DNA within viral capsids.
- Investigating virus-DNA conjugates, such as tobacco mosaic virus-DNA hybrids.
- Developing virus-mimicking DNA structures coated with lipids and proteins.
Main Results:
- Virus-DNA hybrids combine biological attributes of viruses with DNA's controlled assembly.
- DNA can direct the formation and encapsulation of viral proteins.
- Tobacco mosaic virus-DNA hybrids demonstrate dynamic system capabilities.
- Virus-mimicking DNA structures offer enhanced stability, immunocompatibility, and delivery.
Conclusions:
- Virus-DNA hybrid materials represent a significant advancement in nanotechnology for biomedical uses.
- These programmable nano-objects hold potential for developing novel therapeutic strategies, including DNA-based vaccines.
- Future directions include enhancing stability, immunocompatibility, and targeted delivery through virus-mimicking designs.
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