The use of biomaterials, such as viruses and virus-like particles, to form nanostructures is generally disclosed. For instance, rod-like viruses can be used to form composite nanofibers that are fixed together in a head-to-tail assembly by a polymer. Also, 2-dimensional nanostructures formed from crosslinked viruses assembled in a single, film-like layer are generally disclosed. Porous gels having controllable pore size through the use of virus particles are also disclosed.

There is described a process for production of metal-coated virus particles or metallic nanoparticles, said process comprising admixing virus particles with plant material with reducing power and a metal salt, wherein the process can be provided in planta or ex planta and the virus particles aid the production of the metal-coated virus particles or metallic nanoparticles.

The use of biomaterials, such as viruses and virus-like particles, to form nanostructures is generally disclosed. For instance, rod-like viruses can be used to form composite nanofibers that are fixed together in a head-to-tail assembly by a polymer. Also, 2-dimensional nanostructures formed from crosslinked viruses assembled in a single, film-like layer are generally disclosed. Porous gels having controllable pore size through the use of virus particles are also disclosed.

The use of biomaterials, such as viruses and virus-like particles, to form nanostructures is generally disclosed. For instance, rod-like viruses can be used to form composite nanofibers that are fixed together in a head-to-tail assembly by a polymer. Also, 2-dimensional nanostructures formed from crosslinked viruses assembled in a single, film-like layer are generally disclosed. Porous gels having controllable pore size through the use of virus particles are also disclosed.

An agent is described that includes a plant virus particle or VLP conjugate to TRAIL. Associating TRAIL with the plant virus particle or VLP serves to both target cancer cells and induce their apoptosis. The agent can therefore be used for a method of treating cancer in a subject.

A method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof includes administering in situ to the cancer a therapeutically effective amount of a virus or virus-like particle.

Applicants describe herein TMGMV-derived spherical nanoparticles (SNPs) that used entrap small molecule cargo for improved loading efficiency while minimizing upstream processing steps.

A nanoparticle comprising a cytoplasmic type citrus leprosis virus-like particle (CiLV-C) p29 protein coat and an optional agent encapsulated with the protein coat is provided herein. The nanoparticles are useful for the delivery of the agents to cells or tissues.

Methods and compositions for the treatment of atherosclerosis or cardiovascular disease are provided herein. The compositions and methods contain a nanoparticle-peptide conjugate that reduces LDL concentration in a subject, reduces reactive oxygen species in the subject, or increases cellular healing rate.