DNA-modified artificial viral capsids self-assembled from DNA-conjugated β-annulus peptide.

β-Annulus peptides from tomato bushy stunt virus conjugated with DNAs (dA20 and dT20 ) at the C-terminal were synthesized. The DNA-modified β-annulus peptides self-assembled into artificial viral capsids with sizes of 45-160 nm. ζ-Potential measurements revealed that the DNAs were coated on the surface of artificial viral capsids. Fluorescence assays indicated that the DNAs on the artificial viral capsids were partially hybridized with the complementary DNAs. Moreover, the DNA-modified artificial viral capsids formed aggregates by adding complementary polynucleotides.