Author: Gaurav Singhai
Singhai, Gaurav, 2021 Virus coated DNA nanostructures: A biological way for drug delivery, Flinders University, College of Science and Engineering
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DNA and viruses are biological building blocks, which are used to create/synthesize new nanomaterials with applications in medicine in recent years. DNA nanostructures (DNs) emerged as promising drug carriers in cancer treatment owing to their stability, precision and biocompatibility. Still, their polar nature is a leading impediment in crossing cellular barriers. However, developing a smart nanocarrier for targeted delivery in cancerous therapeutics is a significant challenge in biomedical sciences. The coating of drug-loaded DNs with virus capsid protein (CP) from cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV) improves cell penetration ability and overall biological environment stability. Hence, we modified the DNs surface with CCMV-CP using electrostatic interactions facilitating enhanced cellular uptake and drug targeting inside the cells.
Overall, this research presents a modular approach of fabricating drug loaded-DNA nanostructures with capsid protein, resulting in biohybrid material mimicking virus-like particles morphology and functionality.
Keywords: DNA Nanostructures, bionanotechnology, Virus coated DNA, Hybrid nanomaterials, drug delivery nanotechnology, biomedicines, nanomedicines, biological engineered materials, DNA origami, CCMV encapsulation, anticancer drug delivery
Subject: Nanotechnology thesis
Thesis type: Doctor of Philosophy
Completed: 2021
School: College of Science and Engineering
Supervisor: A/Prof Ingo Koeper