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Trapping viruses in DNA 'cages' to inhibit infections

07 September 2021

Half-shell Heroes

DNA origami – designing sequences of DNA to fold into tiny useful structures – is reaching an exciting stage: fine-tuning. Tweaking designs could make all the difference when putting devices like this to task inside our bodies. Pictured using cryogenic electron microscopy, this 'nano-shell' is designed to trap virus particles – it’s 10,000 times smaller than a crane claw in an amusement arcade game. Starting with an icosahedron shape (a ball made with 20 triangular faces), biotechnologists found the key to getting the triangular plates of DNA to stick together precisely is a slightly bumpy, bevelled surface. They're now able to make these open shells big enough to engulf viruses, successfully trapping hepatitis particles in lab-grown cells. The next challenge is to test and tweak the shells again, lining them with antibodies to recognise viruses inside living tissues, and trapping them before they can spread their infection.

Written by John Ankers

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BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.

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