A team of researchers from the Technical University of Munich and the University of Regensburg in Germany
To create traps, the researchers synthesizedstrands of single-stranded DNA designed to combine with other elements. Scientists mixed the finished molecules with shorter synthetic DNA chains. These small filaments controlled the large molecule, causing it to twist and fold into the desired shape.
Artistic illustration of creating a virus trap using DNA origami. Image: Alba Monferrer et al., Cell Reports Physical Science
Using the DNA origami technique, researchershas developed triangular-shaped 2D building blocks that fit together, edge to edge, like puzzle pieces. The study confirmed that such triangles can be used to form more complex shapes - cones or polyhedra.
Biologists have covered the inside of each suchtriangular heparin-fluphates, virus-binding substances similar to antibodies. As a result, they received triangular elements that closed around the virus, “glued together” and formed a closed cell. Such a structure can isolate and retain viruses larger than 100 nm.
Scientists tested the technology in vitro (“intest tube") for solutions containing several different viruses, including influenza, SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and Zika virus. In all experiments, the artificial “cage” contained the virus and prevented the pathogen from replicating inside the cells.
Trapping the Influenza Virus (illustration and electron microscope images). Image: Alba Monferrer et al., Cell Reports Physical Science
Although the authors of the study have not yetclinical trials in living organisms (in vivo), they believe that in the future (after conducting the necessary tests) this approach can be used to treat acute infection caused by a wide variety of viruses.
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