Biological and evolutionary concepts for nanoscale engineering: Viruses as natural nanoparticles have great potential for a wide range of nanoscale products

EMBO Rep. 2019 Aug;20(8):e48806. doi: 10.15252/embr.201948806. Epub 2019 Jul 17.

Abstract

Biological materials are a rich resource for nanoscale engineering. Their structure is easily accessible via their DNA and they were optimised through evolution to fulfill their function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biocompatible Materials / chemical synthesis
  • Biocompatible Materials / pharmacology
  • Biological Control Agents / chemistry
  • Biological Control Agents / metabolism
  • Capsid / chemistry*
  • Capsid / metabolism
  • Capsid / ultrastructure
  • DNA / genetics*
  • DNA / metabolism
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods
  • Gene Transfer Techniques / trends
  • Genetic Engineering / methods*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Mimicry
  • Nanoparticles / metabolism
  • Nanoparticles / supply & distribution
  • Nanoparticles / ultrastructure
  • Nanoparticles / virology*
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Viruses / chemistry*
  • Viruses / metabolism
  • Viruses / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Biological Control Agents
  • DNA