Bacteriophage as cargo and its application in nanomedicine.

Abstract

Bacteriophages are viruses that infect the bacteria. However, different studies conducted on the same display a wide range of applications in terms of therapeutic purposes. The structure of a bacteriophage includes the head (site for the storage of its genetic material) and a tail (serves the purpose of detection, ligand-receptor binding and insertion of the genetic material into the host organism). The head being a storehouse of genetic material, the contents of the same are often manipulated for therapeutic purposes. In some cases, these bacteriophages are modified as virus like particles (VLPs), which are employed as carriers for transportation of the desired components to the target site, thereby being reliable alternatives for therapeutic purposes. The distinctive properties of these VLPs include their biocompatibility, abundant space for accommodation of desired components, bio processivity, target specificity, does not interfere with the on-going metabolic processes; thereby being agents of choice for various therapeutic purposes. The bacteriophages play significant roles in delivery of certain components thereby enhancing their therapeutic applications. These include biomolecules such as enzymes, peptide-based drugs, CRISPR along with others. Apart from this, bacteriophage targeted delivery has also shown promising results in cancer treatments and vaccination strategies. Bacteriophages are therefore, promising delivery agents and can be opted for delivery of either single or combination of compounds in future treatment strategies.