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Construction of target‐specific virus‐like particles for the delivery of algicidal compounds to harmful algae
Author(s) -
Kang Beom Sik,
Eom ChiYong,
Kim Wonduck,
Kim Pyoung il,
Ju Sun Yi,
Ryu Jaewon,
Han Gui Hwan,
Oh JeongIl,
Cho Hoon,
Baek Seung Ho,
Kim Gueeda,
Kim Minju,
Hyun Jaekyung,
Jin EonSeon,
Kim Si Wouk
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
environmental microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.954
H-Index - 188
eISSN - 1462-2920
pISSN - 1462-2912
DOI - 10.1111/1462-2920.12650
Subject(s) - biology , algae , algal bloom , capsid , microbiology and biotechnology , virus , virology , botany , ecology , phytoplankton , nutrient
Summary Harmful algal blooms ( HABs ) can lead to substantial socio‐economic losses and extensive damage to aquatic ecosystems, drinking water sources and human health. Common algicidal techniques, including ozonation, ultrasonic treatment and dispersion of algae‐killing chemicals, are unsatisfactory both economically and ecologically. This study therefore presents a novel alternative strategy for the efficient control of deleterious algae via the use of host‐specific virus‐like particles ( VLPs ) combined with chemically synthesized algicidal compounds. The capsid protein of HcRNAV34 , a single‐stranded RNA virus that infects the toxic dinoflagellate, H eterocapsa circularisquama , was expressed in and purified from E scherichia coli and then self‐assembled into VLPs in vitro . Next, the algicidal compound, thiazolidinedione 49 ( TD49 ), was encapsidated into HcRNAV34 VLPs for specific delivery to H . circularisquama . Consequently, HcRNAV34 VLPs demonstrated the same host selectivity as naturally occurring HcRNAV34 virions, while TD49 ‐encapsidated VLPs showed a more potent target‐specific algicidal effect than TD49 alone. These results indicate that target‐specific VLPs for the delivery of cytotoxic compounds to nuisance algae might provide a safe, environmentally friendly approach for the management of HABs in aquatic ecosystems.