Nanobody-derived nanobiotechnology tool kits for diverse biomedical and biotechnology applications

Abstract

Owing to peculiar properties of nanobody, including nanoscale size, robust structure, stable and soluble behaviors in aqueous solution, reversible refolding, high affinity and specificity for only one cognate target, superior cryptic cleft accessibility, and deep tissue penetration, as well as a sustainable source, it has been an ideal research tool for the development of sophisticated nanobiotechnologies. Currently, the nanobody has been evolved into versatile research and application tool kits for diverse biomedical and biotechnology applications. Various nanobody-derived formats, including the nanobody itself, the radionuclide or fluorescent-labeled nanobodies, nanobody homo- or heteromultimers, nanobody-coated nanoparticles, and nanobody-displayed bacteriophages, have been successfully demonstrated as powerful nanobiotechnological tool kits for basic biomedical research, targeting drug delivery and therapy, disease diagnosis, bioimaging, and agricultural and plant protection. These applications indicate a special advantage of these nanobody-derived technologies, already surpassing the “me-too” products of other equivalent binders, such as the full-length antibodies, single-chain variable fragments, antigen-binding fragments, targeting peptides, and DNA-based aptamers. In this review, we summarize the current state of the art in nanobody research, focusing on the nanobody structural features, nanobody production approach, nanobody-derived nanobiotechnology tool kits, and the potentially diverse applications in biomedicine and biotechnology. The future trends, challenges, and limitations of the nanobody-derived nanobiotechnology tool kits are also discussed.

Polyethylenimine-functionalized silver nanoparticle-based co-delivery of paclitaxel to induce HepG2 cell apoptosis

“…10,11 It improves the efficiency of drug delivery, reduces side effects of drug, and strengthens molecular targeting in biomedical applications. [12][13][14] Nanomaterial is considered to be a promising solution to overcome the above problems with the peculiar properties, 15 Among them, metal nanoparticles, especially silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), are considered as one of the nanomaterials with the highest degree of commercialization. 16 Furthermore, AgNPs have gained wide attention due to its potent activity, including antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antiangiogenic, and antiinflammatory.…”

Unintended effects of drug carriers: Big issues of small particles

“…Fabs consist of a single constant and variable domain form each heavy and light chains. Compared to conventional IgG antibodies (~150kDa), single-chain variable fragment (scFv) antibodies (~27kDa) and antigen-binding (Fab) fragments (~57kDa) are smaller in molecular size and weight [282,285,286]. …”

“…The single domain regions of camelids (VhH) and shark antibodies (V-NAR) have long surface loops that are able to reach protein cavities better than conventional antibodies. These nanobodies are around 12–15 kDa and have very small dimensions of 2.5nm by 4nm [285,287]. DARPins (designed ankyrin repeat proteins) are another interesting non-immunoglobulin targeting molecules derived from natural ankyrin repeat proteins, that can vary in molecular weight from 14 to 21 kDa.…”

A Simple Outline of Methods for Protein Isolation and Purification

“…If the antibody is obtained from camelids, a unique antibody protein known as a single-chain antibody or nanobody can be obtained [34]. A typical antibody usually consists of four polypeptide chains per molecule, whereas a camelid antibody has two chains per antibody molecule.…”