Artificial viruses: A nanotechnology based approach

Abstract

Objectives: The main objective of this work was to review and summarise the detailed literature available on viral nanoparticle and the strategies utilised for their manufacture along with their applications as therapeutic agents.

Data acquisition: The reported literature related to development and application of virus nanoparticles have been collected from electronic data bases like ScienceDirect, google scholar, PubMed by using key words like "viral nanoparticles", "targeted drug delivery" and "vaccines" and related combinations.

Result: From the detailed literature survey, virus nanoparticles were identified as carriers for the targeted delivery. Due to the presence of nanostructures in virus nanoparticles, these protect the drugs from the degradation in the gastrointestinal tract and in case of the delivery of gene medicine, they carry the nucleic acids to the target/susceptible host cells. Thus, artificial viruses are utilised for targeted delivery to specific organ in biomedical and biotechnological areas.

Conclusion: Thus, virus nanoparticles can be considered as viable option as drug/gene carrier in various healthcare sectors especially drug delivery and vaccine and can be explored further in future for the development of better drug delivery techniques.

Keywords: Drug delivery; Nano technology; Therapy; Virus gene.

Fig. 1

Viral replication process

Fig. 2

Forms of viruses

Fig. 3

Development of artificial virus

Fig. 4

Genetic engineering approach

Fig. 5

Encapsulation

Fig. 6

Polystyrene encapsulation

Fig. 7

Cancer hunting virus

Fig. 8

Targeted drug delivery

Fig. 9

In vivo imaging of tissue

Fig. 10

Drug delivery of VNPs