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Artificial beads including magnetite and fluorescence particles are useful to visualize pathologic tissue, such as cancers, from harmless types by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or fluorescence imaging. Desirable properties of diagnostic materials include high dispersion in body fluids, and the ability to target specific tissues. Here we report on the development of novel magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) intended for use as diagnosis and therapy that are coated with viral capsid protein VP1-pentamers of simian virus 40, which are monodispersive in body fluid by conjugating epidermal growth factor (EGF) to VP1. Critically, the coating of MNPs with VP1 facilitated stable dispersion of the MNPs in body fluids. In addition, EGF was conjugated to VP1 coating on MNPs (VP1-MNPs). EGF-conjugated VP1-MNPs were successfully used to target EGF receptor-expressing tumor cells in vitro. Thus, using viral capsid protein VP1 as a coating material would be useful for medical diagnosis and therapy.

BACKGROUND:Accurate detection and monitoring of disease-related biomarkers is important in understanding pathophysiology. We devised a rapid immunoreaction system that uses submicrometer polymercoated fluorescent ferrite (FF) beads containing both ferrites (magnetic iron oxide) and fluorescent europium complexes.

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HighlightsMonomeric VP1 pentamers of simian virus 40 coat artificial beads larger than natural capsids.Polystyrene beads (100, 200, and 500 nm in diameter) can be covered by VP1 pentamers.Silica beads can also be covered by VP1 pentamers.VP1 pentamers can also coat angular-shaped magnetite-particle and rough-shaped liposomes.The self-reassembly property of VP1 may allow it to coat various artificial beads, regardless of their sizes or shapes.