Fusion of enveloped virus nanoparticles with polyelectrolyte-supported lipid membranes for the design of bio/nonbio interfaces.

Fischlechner, Martin; Reibetanz, Uta; Zaulig, Markus; Enderlein, Dirk; Romanova, Julia; Leporatti, Stefano; Moya, Sergio; Donath, Edwin · Nano Lett · 2007

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Fusion of lipid-enveloped viruses with endosomal membranes triggered by low pH in the endosome is a key step in the course of viral infection. This ubiquitous mechanism can be used to integrate functional nanoparticles of viral origin into composite materials consisting of a polyelectrolyte multilayer with an adsorbed lipid membrane in a natural and biomimetic way. Polyelectrolyte multilayers as the support for the lipid membrane are a versatile means to combine the biological functions of the viral surface with the multiplicity of polyelectrolyte borne functions into a novel bio/nonbio composite material.

Medical subject headings