Optimization of transfection process to obtain fluorescent Influenza Virus-like particles for drug delivery

The aim of the work was to optimize the transfection process to produce Influenza Virus-like particles (VLPs) designed to express different types of proteins, both on the inside and on the surface of the nanoparticle. Final VLPs were modified to express either the GFP protein, used as a reference for the internal part of the particle, or a modified version of it, mGFP, which is bound on the lipid bilayer of the particle. The two types of GFP were used as markers for the particle, allowing the study of the samples with fluorescence microscopy techniques. The modification of bare nanoparticles is used in the context of drug delivery systems, where VLPs could play a role as novel carriers for nanomedicine purposes.