Abstract
The protein capsids of viruses represent a fascinating class of regular geometric objects formed through efficient self-assembly processes. By capitalizing on the ability of these multivalent structures to arrange large numbers of synthetic functional groups, viral capsids have now found use in three major areas of materials science: (1) as templates for the growth and/or positioning of inorganic nanoparticles; (2) as carriers for use in biomedical imaging and drug delivery; and (3) as scaffolds for photoactive and chemically catalytic groups. This chapter surveys the recent progress in these fields and examines the various chemical techniques that have been used to add new chemical functionality to these structures.
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Polymer Science |
Subtitle of host publication | a Comprehensive Reference: Volume 1-10 |
Publisher | Elsevier |
Pages | 247-266 |
Number of pages | 20 |
Volume | 1-10 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9780080878621 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 2012 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Bioconjugation
- Capsids
- Catalysis
- Diagnostic imaging
- Drug delivery
- Encapsulation
- Genetic engineering
- Light harvesting
- Nanoparticles
- Photosynthesis
- Proteins
- Self-assembly
- Viruses
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Engineering(all)
- Materials Science(all)
- Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)