Quantitative functionalization of biosynthetic caged protein materials

Abstract

Background: As one of the representative protein materials, protein nanocages (PNCs) are self-assembled supramolecular structures with multiple advantages, such as good monodispersity, biocompatibility, structural addressability, and facile production. Precise quantitative functionalization is essential to the construction of PNCs with designed purposes.

Results: With three modifiable interfaces, the interior surface, outer surface, and interfaces between building blocks, PNCs can serve as an ideal platform for precise multi-functionalization studies and applications. This review summarizes the currently available methods for precise quantitative functionalization of PNCs and highlights the significance of precise quantitative control in fabricating PNC-based materials or devices. These methods can be categorized into three groups, genetic, chemical, and combined modification.

Conclusion: This review would be constructive for those who work with biosynthetic PNCs in diverse fields.

Author summary

Protein nanocages (PNCs) are a group of self-assembling biomacromolecules that have been recognized as natural nanomaterials and are attracting increasing interest in multidisciplinary fields. Various strategies have been developed to modify and functionalize PNCs for tailored applications. This review aims to summarize the currently available methods for PNC modification with emphasis on the significance of quantitative control of functionalization.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

protein nanocages / virus-like particles / functionalization / genetic modification / chemical modification

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This work was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 31771103 and 31800650), the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Emergency Project of African Swine Fever (ASF) Research (No. KJZD-SW-L06), Department of Education of Hubei Province (No. Q20221103), and Heath Commission of Hubei Province (No. WJ2021M214).

COMPLIANCE WITH ETHICS GUIDELINES

The authors Quan Cheng, Xuan Wang, Xian-En Zhang, Chengchen Xu and Feng Li declare that they have no conflict of interests.

This article is a review article and does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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