Scientists develop technique of "molecular painting"
Biologists have developed a technique that adds a new twist on the relationship between biology & art. The researchers describe how they were able to coat or paint viruses with proteins.
This breakthrough brings boost to the efficiency of gene therapy, help track & treat viral disease & evolution, improve the efficiency of vaccines. Specifically, new methods should make it easier to track & treat infectious diseases- HIV, influenza & hepatitis C.
In the article, Dr Salmons explains how they mixed purified proteins with lipid membranes to make it possible to bind these proteins to the outer “skin” of viruses. Even with the new paint job, the viruses remained infectious. While the expt. involved one type of protein & two types of viral vectors, the technique could be used to apply “paint” made up of other proteins, dyes, & unique markers.
BY KAMYA.S & POOJARAJ
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