DNA Nanostructure Encapsulating Viruses for Broad Antiviral Defense
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antiviral therapies are limited in their ability to effectively target and neutralize a wide range of viral pathogens, particularly emerging viruses, due to their specificity and the need for rapid administration before high viral loads are reached, and existing nanostructures are inadequate for encapsulating full viruses or are too open, allowing surface proteins to interact with host cells.
Innovation Solution
A macromolecule-based nanostructure, specifically a DNA-based nanostructure with a cavity diameter of at least 20 nm, is designed to encapsulate viruses, providing a closed environment that prevents viral surface proteins from interacting with host cells and allowing for flexible adaptation to mutational changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing nanostructures are used for viral detection, then sensing capability is achieved, but they are too open allowing viral capsid proteins to protrude and remain immunologically active
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the viral particle inside a host nanostructure (lipid vesicle or polymer capsule). The virus is encapsulated within the host structure's cavity, completely enclosing it. This nesting approach prevents viral proteins from protruding while maintaining the ability to detect and neutralize the virus, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and viral inactivation.
2Reliability
If current antiviral therapies are used, then specific viral targets are inhibited, but they cannot neutralize viruses and require rapid administration before high viral loads are reached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-assembling host nanostructures (lipid vesicles or polymer capsules) with viral-binding ligands attached to their surfaces before viral infection occurs. These pre-prepared nanostructures are ready to immediately bind and neutralize viruses upon contact, eliminating the need for rapid administration timing. The nanostructures perform the neutralization function in advance preparation, allowing effective treatment even after viral loads have increased.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a macromolecule-based nanostructure, such as a DNA-based nanostructure, for encapsulating a virus or viral particle, to a composition comprising a virus or viral particle encapsulated by such a macromolecule-based nanostructure according to the present invention, and to a method for encapsulating a virus or viral particle by using such a macromolecule-based nanostructure