Virus-like nanoparticles as a novel delivery tool in gene therapy.

Virus-like nanoparticles as a novel delivery tool in gene therapy. Biochimie. 2018 Nov 05;: Authors: Jeevanandam J, Pal K, Danquah MK Abstract Viruses are considered as natural nanomaterials as they are in the size range of 20 to 500 nm with a genetical material either DNA or RNA, which is surrounded by a protein coat capsid. Recently, the field of virus nanotechnology is gaining significant attention among researchers. Attention is given to the utilization of viruses as a nanomaterial for medical, biotechnology and energy applications. Removal of genetic material from the viral capsid creates empty capsid for drug incorporation and coating the capsid protein crystals with antibodies, enzymes or aptamers will enhance their targeted drug deliver efficiency. Studies reported that these virus-like nanoparticles have been used in delivering drugs for cancer. It is also used in imaging and sensory application for various diseases. However, there is a hesitation among researchers to utilize virus-like nanoparticles in targeted delivery of genes in gene therapy, as there is a possibility of viral mutation. Thus, the current review focuses on highlighting the possibilities of using virus-like nanoparticles for targeted gene delivery. In addition, other biomedical applications that are explored using virus-like nanoparticles and their probable mechanism of delivering genes were also discussed. PMID: 30408502 [PubMed - as supplied by p...
Source: Biochimie - Category: Biochemistry Authors: Tags: Biochimie Source Type: research