Linear and multivalent PEGylation of the tobacco mosaic virus and the effects on its biological properties

Plant virus-based nanoparticles (VNPs) offer a bioinspired approach to the delivery of drugs and imaging agents. The chemical addressability, biocompatibility, scalable manufacturability VNPs make them promising alternative synthetic platforms. However, VNPs, just like other proteinaceous or (NPs), are readily recognized cleared by immune system mechanisms such as opsonization phagocytosis. Shielding strategies, PEGylation, commonly used mitigate premature NP clearance. Here, we investigated polyethylene glycol (PEG) coatings on tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), which was model nanocarrier system. Specifically, evaluated effects linear multivalent PEG at varying chain lengths serum protein adsorption, antibody recognition, macrophage uptake. Linear PEGs molecular weights 2,000 5,000 Da were successfully grafted onto TMV ≈ 20%–60% conjugation efficiencies, degree cross-linking function valency length determined. PEGylation resulted in modulation TMV–macrophage interactions reduced corona formation well recognition. formulations (but not formulations) α-TMV whereas shorter, significantly α-PEG recognition—this highlights an interesting interplay between itself potential antigenicity should be important consideration strategies. This work provides insight into may improve possibility their implementation clinical applications.