Fuel-driven filamentous phage nanomotors

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biotechnology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Virus-based nanocarriers show promise for targeted drug delivery but often lack active transport mechanisms.
• Current nanocarriers rely on diffusion, limiting their ability to penetrate biological barriers and reach specific targets.
• Active propulsion and navigation are crucial for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of nanocarriers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To convert the M13 bacteriophage, a linear virus, into an actively propelled nanomotor.
• To investigate the enhanced diffusion and cellular uptake of the M13-based nanomotor.
• To establish a mobile nanomotor platform for improved viral nanocarrier applications.

Main Methods:

• A single platinum (Pt) nanoparticle was attached to the M13 bacteriophage capsid, creating a tadpole-like Pt/M13 nanomotor.
• The nanomotor's diffusion was analyzed in the presence of hydrogen peroxide fuel.
• In vitro studies assessed the uptake of Pt/M13 nanomotors by SVOK3 ovarian cancer cells.

Main Results:

• The Pt/M13 nanomotors exhibited significantly enhanced diffusion in hydrogen peroxide.
• In vitro experiments showed improved uptake of Pt/M13 nanomotors by SVOK3 ovarian cancer cells.
• The M13 bacteriophage was successfully repurposed from a passive nanocarrier to an active nanomotor.

Conclusions:

• The M13-based nanomotor platform offers enhanced mobility and cellular uptake compared to passive nanocarriers.
• This development represents a significant advancement in utilizing viral nanocarriers for therapeutic applications.
• The M13 nanomotor technology holds potential for improving the efficacy of noninvasive drug delivery systems.