Kalra A., Jayarapu K.
Carmel High School, US
Keywords: CRISPR-Cas9, nanomedicine, plasmid, programmable nucleotide
For eons, humankind has been plagued by viral infections that have decimated populations; we lack a system that can simply inactivate any virus at will. Here we describe a model for a non-nucleotide-based, robotic plasmid that could act as a sentry and lead a swift antiviral response using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. This “Roboplasmid” would be delivered via lipid nanoparticles to various cells in the body and would contain a programmable sequence locus that can customize crRNA sequences by a novel charge-based mechanism. When a viral infection is detected, the programmable locus can be coded to induce complementarity with the viral target sequence, after which the sequences can be transcribed by host RNA polymerases and viral inactivation is possible. Creating Roboplasmids with nanoscale 3D printers, conducting in vitro tests, and routinely having intravascular injections of plasmids into the body can provide timely intervention that can eventually eradicate all human viruses.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: TechConnect Briefs 2021
Published: October 18, 2021
Pages: 157 - 160
Industry sector: Medical & Biotech
Topics: Biomaterials, Diagnostics & Bioimaging
ISBN: 978-0-578-99550-2