Innovative applications of bionanocapsule derived from hepatitis B virus

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Nanomedicine
• Virology

Background:

• Bionanocapsules (BNCs) are hollow nanoparticles derived from the hepatitis B virus (HBV) L protein.
• Their development originated from HB vaccine research, evolving from S, M, to L antigen generations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the evolution and versatility of BNCs as a biotechnological platform.
• To showcase BNCs' potential in drug delivery, biosensing, and virology research.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing the L antigen of HBV to create BNCs.
• Engineering BNCs for drug delivery systems (DDS) with targeting and endosomal escape capabilities.
• Applying antibody display for BNC re-targeting and using them as nanoscaffolds for biosensors.

Main Results:

• BNCs demonstrate inherent liver-specific targeting and stealth properties.
• BNCs function effectively as drug delivery systems, facilitating endosomal escape.
• BNCs have been successfully adapted for antibody-mediated re-targeting and high-sensitivity biosensing applications.

Conclusions:

• BNCs represent a significant advancement from HB vaccine technology to a multifunctional nanoplatform.
• BNCs offer breakthroughs in drug delivery, elucidating HBV infection mechanisms, and biosensing.
• The inherent properties and adaptability of BNCs position them for diverse biotechnological applications.