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Functional Blood-Brain Barrier Crossing by Biomimetic M13 Phage Vectors for Targeted Neuronal Delivery
Silvia Vercellino1,2, Lucia Pappagallo1,3, Francesca De Chirico4
1Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy.
Advanced Healthcare Materials
|May 30, 2026
Summary
M13 bacteriophages show promise as biocompatible nanovectors for crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Engineered phages can target specific neurons, offering new therapeutic delivery strategies for brain disorders.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Nanomedicine
- Neuroscience
Background:
- The blood-brain barrier (BBB) restricts therapeutic delivery to the brain.
- Innovative strategies are needed for targeted drug delivery across the BBB.
- Biomimetic nanoconstructs offer potential for overcoming BBB challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate M13 bacteriophages as nanovectors for crossing the BBB.
- To assess the potential of engineered M13 phages for targeted neuronal delivery.
Main Methods:
- Utilized M13 bacteriophages for cargo capacity and ligand display.
- Investigated phage transport across the endothelial layer via intracellular pathways.
- Engineered M13 phages with single-domain antibodies for specific neuronal targeting.
Main Results:
- M13 phages demonstrated high cargo capacity and genetic flexibility.
- Phages efficiently crossed the endothelial layer while maintaining structure and function.
- Engineered phages retained targeting specificity after BBB translocation in complex environments.
Conclusions:
- M13 bacteriophages are versatile, biocompatible nanovectors for BBB transport.
- Engineered M13 phages offer a novel biomimetic tool for targeted brain delivery.
- This research opens new applications for M13 phages in treating neurological disorders.
