Themed collection Protein Cages as Next Generation Biomaterials

Encapsulins—naturally occurring cargo-loaded protein nanocompartments widely found across prokaryotes—represent a promising and programmable nanocarrier platform for targeted drug delivery.

Suckerin biomaterials offer elasticity, biocompatibility, and β-sheet self-assembly. Superior to other proteins, they excel in adaptability. Nanotechnology and succinylation boost drug delivery, tissue repair, and wound healing.

The Ugi reaction offers a rapid and versatile approach for one-step multifunctionalization of protein nanocages, enabling the development of comprehensive therapeutic nanoplatforms while simplifying conventional multi-step synthesis.

This study explores PEGylated potato virus X (PVX–PEG) for intratumoral immunotherapy in lymphoma. PEGylation enhances PVX stability, prolongs tumor retention, and reduces antibody recognition while maintaining its potent antitumor efficacy.

¹⁹F NMR reveals chemical shift signatures at a cysteine dyad near a fluorinated tryptophan, following binding of gold(I) compounds; molecular dynamics simulations establish relationships between Trp conformational rearrangements and chemical shifts.

This study explores two bacterial encapsulins—protein nanocages. By cryo-EM, their structures were determined. We show they protect encapsulated enzymes from degradation, highlighting their potential as versatile tools in biotechnology.

Enzyme replacement therapy for Pompe disease using virus-based enzymatic nanoreactors. Acid α-glucosidase was encapsulated inside the capsid from BMV virus. The nanoreactors protect the cargo, and their functionalization induces specific targeting.