Gold Nanoparticle Conjugation with A2 Protein in VLP for Symmetrical Alignment

Authors

Matthew Burnham, Brigham Young University
Dr. Brad Bundy, Brigham Young University

Keywords

gold nanoparticle conjugation, A2 protein, VLP, symmetrical alignment

College

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology

Department

Chemical Engineering

Abstract

A Virus-like Particle (VLP) is a nanostructure composed of many coat proteins. They differ from real viruses in that they are synthesized to be non-infectious. VLPs have many useful applications in vaccines, drug delivery, gene therapy, and material science¹. Last year, I attempted to create a high resolution image of the VLP Q-beta. This was to be accomplished by making modifications to the virus’ structure after its creation. Conjugating a gold nanoparticle to the Q-beta VLP-A2 protein complex would, in theory, provide a site of orientation and allow us to image the VLP (Figure 1). Although the goal of obtaining an accurate image was not reached, steps were made towards one day reaching it.

Recommended Citation

Burnham, Matthew and Bundy, Dr. Brad (2013) "Gold Nanoparticle Conjugation with A2 Protein in VLP for Symmetrical Alignment," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 1788.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/1788