2.5 VLP-GOx surface functionalization
The VLP-GOx nanoreactors were prepared by functionalizing their surface
to improve their affinity to breast cancer cells. Hence, the outer
surface of the VLP-GOx nanocages was covered with human serum albumin
(HSA) protein. First, the HSA was activated with reduced glutathione as
reported by Chauhan, et al, 2020. Second, the VLP-GOx nanoreactors
(synthesized at 1:3 molar ratio) and reduced HSA were mixed at 1:8
VLP:HSA w/w ratio and stirred overnight at 4°C for the coating reaction.
Next, the HSA functionalized nanoreactors were centrifuged at 40,000
rpm, 4°C for 2 h. After centrifugation, the supernatant was discarded
and a pellet containing the HSA functionalized VLP-GOx nanoreactors
(VLP-GOx@HSA) was resuspended in the assembly buffer. Finally, the
VLP-GOx@HSA suspension was purified by HPLC to get rid of free-HAS and
aberrant capsids.