The viral capsid as novel nanomaterials for drug delivery

Future Sci OA. 2021 Jul 14;7(9):FSO744. doi: 10.2144/fsoa-2021-0031. eCollection 2021 Oct.

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to highlight recent scientific developments and provide an overview of virus self-assembly and viral particle dynamics. Viruses are organized supramolecular structures with distinct yet related features and functions. Plant viruses are extensively used in biotechnology, and virus-like particulate matter is generated by genetic modification. Both provide a material-based means for selective distribution and delivery of drug molecules. Through surface engineering of their capsids, virus-derived nanomaterials facilitate various potential applications for selective drug delivery. Viruses have significant implications in chemotherapy, gene transfer, vaccine production, immunotherapy and molecular imaging.

Keywords: nanomaterials; nanomedicine; therapeutics delivery; viral nanotechnology; viruses.

Publication types

  • Review