More and more nanotechnology applications are driving many researchers to use phage particles as carriers or substrates for new nanodevices, which have a wide range of applications in nanomedicine. Filamentous, MS2, lambda and T phage particles can be used as designed nanocarriers for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents and diagnostic reporter molecules, thus representing a new aspect of nanotechnology in drug delivery systems. The phage capsid is composed of several protein subunits assembled together. Although the protein scaffold has been widely used for molecular display (surface decoration), its structure can also be used as a nanocage to capture biological molecules of interest. Each type of phage has a specific shape, different cargo capacity, specific production time, and its own supramolecular assembly mechanism, which enables them to act as tunable carriers. Several characteristics make filamentous bacteriophages (especially M13 bacteriophage particles) an ideal choice for nanotechnology applications. M13 phage virus particles have the ability to self-assemble into nano-scale structures, which means that most of the structural information present in the phage capsid is carried by the capsid protein itself, without the participation of other proteins.
Fig 1. Screening of a phage peptide library on neuron as the target.(Bakhshinejad B, 2014)
Filamentous bacteriophages, including f1, fd, and more importantly M13, are the most widely used bacteriophage system in biomedical applications. M13 phage exists in the form of filamentous rod-like nanofibers with a diameter of 6.5 nm. At Creative Biolabs, we provide solutions for bacteriophage-based nanomaterials development.
The protein shell surrounding the phage genome can be regarded as a kind of nanocarrier that can transmit the genetic information of the phage from one cell to another. These rod-shaped natural viruses represent the potential as promising biological building blocks for the development of various functional nano-structured materials.
Phage nanoparticles, especially M13, can be used to design and synthesize nanomaterial scaffolds for neural tissue engineering. The long rod shape and monodispersity of M13 nanofibers lead to the production of different self-organized two-dimensional and three-dimensional structures on the nanoscale
Affinity screening of phage peptide libraries on cells belonging to different parts of the nervous system can identify peptides that can specifically bind to the desired cells. These nerve cell-binding peptides can be used to selectively deliver therapeutic substances to damaged cells of the nervous system.
The genetic engineering of phage nanoparticles is carried out through phage display, which provides the possibility to exert tremendous control over phage particles for biomedical purposes. Phage display is the cornerstone of phage nanotechnology. The emergence of phage display is the starting point for using phages as modern biotechnological tools and bringing these nanoparticles into previously unimagined areas.
Creative Biolabs can meet the needs of customers by providing solutions in nanomaterials development on time and on budget. We have in-depth knowledge and experience of the tools and processes involved in the phage projects. Our skilled and dedicated scientific researchers ensure that the most suitable methods and techniques are selected for your project. If necessary, please feel free to contact us.
Please kindly note that our services can only be used to support research purposes (Not for clinical use).
Creative Biolabs is a globally recognized phage company. Creative Biolabs is committed to providing researchers with the most reliable service and the most competitive price.
