Genetically Engineered Protein Nano-carriers: Viral Capsids and Cage Proteins

Abstract

Recent advances in nanotechnology have significantly altered drug therapies and nanocarriers have begun to be used as promising platforms for efficient, targeted drug therapy. These submicron-sized colloidal systems offer numerous advantages over conventional treatments, including improved efficacy, reduced side effects, and resistance to destabilization. Precise control is made possible by surface qualities, payload, size, and targeting due to high surface areas and small dimensions. Given that this knowledge has a great deal of promise for the advancement in immunology, vaccine development, and cancer treatment, a superior treatment potential has been created by combining it with novel approaches. Enhancing nanocarrier functionality, genetic engineering has enabled the creation of protein nanocages that self-assemble from protein subunits to deliver therapeutic and diagnostic molecules. Viral particles are notable due to their immunogenic properties and potential for vaccine development, offering uniform morphology, biocompatibility, and easy functionalization. The unique geometric structure of protein nanocages allows the imaging of multiple ligands and functional molecules, enhancing biocompatibility and targeting. Overall, it appears that the combinatorial synergistic effect of genetic engineering with nanotechnology enables the creation of promising drug delivery vehicles that offer structural consistency, biocompatibility, and customizable functionality.