An Infectious Virus-like Particle Built on a Programmable Icosahedral DNA Framework

Viral genomes can be compressed into a near-spherical nanochamber to form infectious particles. In order to mimic the virus morphology and packaging behavior, we invented a programmable icosahedral DNA nanoframe with enhanced rigidity and encapsulated the phiX174 bacteriophage genome. The packaging efficiency could be modulated through specific anchoring strands adjustment, and the trapped phage genome remained accessible for enzymatic operations. Moreover, the packed complex could infect Escherichia coli (E. coli) cells through bacterial uptake to produce plaques. This rigid icosahedral DNA architecture demonstrated a versatile platform to develop virus mimetic particles for convenient functional nucleic acid entrapment, manipulation and delivery.

Automated summary

This study presents a method to encapsulate viral genomes in a DNA nanoframe, mimicking the morphology and packaging behavior of viruses. The rigid icosahedral DNA architecture serves as a versatile platform for the development of virus mimetic particles, facilitating the encapsulation, manipulation, and delivery of functional nucleic acids.