Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Hybrid VNPs
A hybrid VNP is a VNP that is combined with another
material, for example, a VNP encapsulating a gold
core.
Hydrophilic
interactions
Hydrophilic molecules such as water (the word is
derived from the Greek language and means “water
friendship”). Hydrophilic interactions are mediated
via hydrogen bonding; that is, the interaction
between hydrogen atoms and electron-negative
atoms.
Hydrophobic
interaction
Hydrophobicity (the word is derived from the Greek
language and means “water fearing”) is a physical
property; hydrophobic molecules are repelled from
water, hydrophobic molecules are attracted to each
other (birds of a feather flock together).
Hyperthermophile
organism
One that lives in an extremely hot environment. The
VNP SIRV2 is an hyperthermophile that inhabits
environments with temperatures above 80 °C.
Icosahedron
A polyhedron with 20 triangular faces.
Immunoassay
See “fluoro-immunoassay”
Inactivated virus
vaccines
An inactivated virus is a virus that cannot replicate.
Inactivation can be carried out by heat or chemical
treatment.
Inoculation
The introduction of an infectious organism.
Mechanical inoculation is used to propagate plant
VNPs. Purified VNPs or infected leaf material is
gently rubbed onto leaves of young developing
plants.
Light-harvesting
systems
Systems that allow the conversion of light into
energy.
Magnetic resonance
image (MRI)
A medical imaging technique that allows the cross
sectioning of human or animal bodies. MRI is based
on the alignment of protons from hydrogen atoms
in a strong magnetic field. The aligned protons are
then exposed to a pulse of radio waves, which leads
to absorption of energy. When the second field is
turned of, energy is released and can be detected
by the scanner to generate the MRI image. Contrast
agents are typically used to increase the brightness
of the image and hence sensitivity of the technique.
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