Biomimetic Copper Nanoparticles Coated with ACE2‐Overexpressing Membranes for Selective SARS‐CoV‐2 Neutralization and Disinfection
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein facilitates viral entry into host cells by binding to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. To exploit this mechanism for therapeutic intervention, a liposome fusion-induced membrane exchange (LIME) strategy to generate biomimetic membrane-integrated liposomes (MILs) from ACE2-overexpressing mammalian cells was developed. Using engineered HeLa cells as a model, MILs have been successfully harvested that retained native surface proteins, including ACE2, as confirmed by immunogold TEM and Western blot analysis. These ACE2-presenting MILs were then coated onto copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs), creating biomimetic Cu@MIL nanostructures with dual functions, including selective viral capture via ACE2-mediated binding and neutralization, as well as potent antiviral activity from Cu NP disinfection. This synergistic platform effectively camouflages the nanomaterial with host-mimetic membranes, conferring targeted viral neutralization and disinfection capabilities. Our findings highlight the potential of Cu@MIL nanoparticles as a decoy-plus antiviral therapeutic for SARS-CoV-2, offering a promising strategy to combat COVID-19 and future pandemics of receptor-specific pathogens.
Source: Advanced Healthcare Materials
Institutions: Kaohsiung Medical University, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, National Cheng Kung University, Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,880
Funders: National Science and Technology Council, Ministry of Education, National Research Foundation, National Research Foundation of Korea, Ministry of Education, India, Kaohsiung Medical University, National Tsing Hua University, National Cheng Kung University, Ministry of Science and ICT, South Korea, National Science and Technology Council
Awards: G1321880614, G1964713323, G2183742934, G2209089197, G4013264592, G4192997997, Bioorthogonal Chemistry Approaches to Optimize the Bioactive Vesicle Synthesis, Biological Membrane Analysis, and Hybrid Membrane-Encapsulated Nanoparticle for Targeted Therapy Application, G5129626113, G5296084551, G6170833567, Nir-Iii Light-Driven Nanomedicine for Breast Cancer Treatment and Cutaneous Metastasis Relief( II ), G6875798561, G8288632145
OpenAlex ID: W7130847430