Team:Wageningen UR

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Project Overview

A standardized tool for site specific drug delivery using Virus-Like Particles

Medicines are generally active in a non-site-specific fashion, affecting the whole patient, including healthy tissue. Therefore, we attempt to specifically target diseased areas by packaging medicines inside Virus-Like Particles (VLPs). VLPs are not infectious, as they are built solely from viral coat proteins. We designed a modular Plug and Apply system that enables modifications to these coat proteins. The system facilitates the linkage of numerous ligands to the coat protein, thereby creating site-specific carriers. After expression of coat protein genes in Escherichia coli the VLPs were assembled in vitro, yielding modified Virus-Like Particles. Medicines can be packed using the Plug and Apply system or simply by addition during VLP assembly. Concluding, VLPs can be used as universal carriers for site-specific drug delivery, allowing customization to a variety of diseases while decreasing side effects for patients during treatment.

Europe Jamboree

Gold Medal

Best Presentation

The Constructor

An application that assists you in creating your cloning strategies for your iGEM project.


The Team

Meet the team!

Human Practices

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Abstract

A standardized tool for site specific drug delivery using Virus-Like Particles

Medicines are generally active in a non-site-specific fashion, affecting the whole patient, including healthy tissue. Therefore, we attempt to specifically target diseased areas by packaging medicines inside Virus-Like Particles (VLPs). VLPs are not infectious, as they are built solely from viral coat proteins. We designed a modular Plug and Apply system that enables modifications to these coat proteins. The system facilitates the linkage of numerous ligands to the coat protein, thereby creating site-specific carriers. After expression of coat protein genes in Escherichia coli the VLPs were assembled in vitro, yielding modified Virus-Like Particles. Medicines can be packed using the Plug and Apply system or simply by addition during VLP assembly. Concluding, VLPs can be used as universal carriers for site-specific drug delivery, allowing customization to a variety of diseases while decreasing side effects for patients during treatment.

Social Stream

Medal Achievements

We helped the iGEM community by providing The Constructor.
This a tool which makes constructing complicated Functional Genetic Modules build from many BioBrick child’s play. The trials showed a more efficient cloning strategy which saves time in the laboratory work.
We improved one of the most widely used BioBricks: GFP.
The reporter protein GFP (old biobrick) has been modified so that it can be utilized with the Plug 'n Apply System. The new BioBricks are BBa_K883700 and BBa_K883701 (with His-tag). By using the PnA System, the GFP can be used to indicate the location of, for example, expressed receptors.
We turned the Human Practices into a national effort.
By cooperating with most of the Dutch iGEM teams, we managed to have a nation-wide appearance in three major cities during the Discovery Festivals. Our team presents the science of iGEM in Rotterdam, while being analysed by a student in Applied Communication.
Software: The Constructor
 
We're not in iGEM's software track, but still we think it is important to create and improve software tools for the iGEM community. Therefore we tried to fullfill the medal requirements for the software track with The Constructor.
We submitted a new and well characterised standard BioBrick: CCMV (BBa_K883001).
This BrioBrick can be used to produce CCMV Virus-Like particles. Besides, it can serve as a template for modifications to pursue many new applications. The sequence is confirmed.
We demonstrated that the production of VLPs using our own BioBricks works.
We produced both CCMV and HepB VLPs using the BioBricks we constructed ourselves. The protocol and detailed description of the machines used for production and detection of these VLPs has been made available.
We characterised the stability of CCMV VLPs.
We changed the conditions in which the VLPs were resuspended. By changing pH and temperature and taking samples over time, we indicated at which values the VLPs were not stable. This defines the borders at which the VLPs can be used.
- Team registration
- New submitted and highly-documented standard BioBrick Part or Device.
- Complete Judging form
- Team Wiki
Present a poster and a talk at the iGEM Jamboree
We are going to the European iGEM Jamboree from 5 to 7 October.

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