Developing a Programmable, Self-Assembling Squash Leaf Curl China Virus (SLCCNV) Capsid Proteins into
Raja Muthuramalingam Thangavelu1, Deepan Sundarajan1, Mohammed Riyaz Savaas Umar1
1Plant Molecular Virology and Nanobiotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600025, India.
ACS Applied Bio Materials
|January 8, 2022
Summary
Researchers created a novel "Nanocargo" using Squash leaf curl China virus (SLCCNV) proteins. This biocompatible nanostructure can encapsulate nanoparticles, showing potential for nanobiomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Virology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Pathogenic viruses are emerging as versatile platforms for nanotechnology.
- Squash leaf curl China virus (SLCCNV) presents a unique scaffold for biomaterial development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer an empty, cargo-like nanostructure from SLCCNV coat proteins.
- To evaluate the self-assembly properties and nanoparticle encapsulation capabilities of the engineered nanostructure.
- To assess the biocompatibility of the SLCCNV-derived nanostructure for potential biomedical use.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the yeast Pichia pastoris expression system to produce SLCCNV coat protein monomers.
- Performed pH-controlled dialysis to induce self-assembly of coat protein monomers into a Nanocargo architecture.
- Employed bioinformatics tools for predicting self-assembly kinetics and bioconjugation sites.
- Conducted in vitro encapsulation of magnetic nanoparticles and assessed cell toxicity.
Main Results:
- Successfully generated an empty, self-assembled Nanocargo architecture from SLCCNV coat proteins.
- Demonstrated the ability of the SLCCNV-Nanocargo to encapsulate magnetic nanoparticles in vitro.
- Bioinformatics analysis provided insights into self-assembly mechanisms and functionalization potential.
- In vitro biocompatibility studies indicated low cellular toxicity of the SLCCNV-Nanocargo particles.
Conclusions:
- SLCCNV coat proteins can be effectively utilized to create a novel Nanocargo nanostructure.
- The SLCCNV-Nanocargo exhibits promising characteristics for nanoparticle delivery and biomedical applications.
- This study highlights the potential of plant viruses as sustainable and biocompatible scaffolds in nanomedicine.
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