Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 
oVerVIeW oF the MAnIFold VnPs uSed 
In nAnoteChnology
This chapter will provide an overview of the different viral nanoparticle
(VNP) building blocks that are currently in use for nanotechnology. Some
of these platforms have been extensively studied and used for various
applications. Other particles are relatively new to the field. The list of VNPs
studied for nanotechnology is constantly expanding. As more and more
researchers become interested in the manifold potentials of VNPs, the field is
rapidly evolving. Studying new VNPs and their unique properties has led to
novel ideas and concepts for VNP fabrication and utility.
.1  A generAl IntroduCtIon to VIruS StruCture And 
rePlICAtIon
Viruses are ubiquitous in nature; they infect all forms of life. In contrast to
other microbes, viruses do not have a cellular metabolism by themselves;
rather, they are obligate intracellular parasites, that is, they need the host
cell for replication. Viruses may be generally regarded as non-free-living
organisms.
In comparison to a cellular organism, viruses generally have a more simple
structural and genetic organization. The term virion describes the complete
virus particle. A virion consists of nucleic acid and a capsid or other structure
to encapsidate the nucleic acid. Some viruses have an additional lipid, or
envelope, component. The envelope is a portion of the host cell membrane
that is gained during egress and escape of virions from the host cell. Viruses
with such an envelope are termed enveloped viruses.
The capsid refers to the protective protein coat that encapsulates and
protects the nucleic acid. Virus genomes encode all the information required
to facilitate the particle proceeding through its life cycle (for a general
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