title: Aptamer-facilitated cryoprotection of viruses.
abstract: Global vaccination and gene therapy programs have an urgent demand for stabilization of viral vectors at low temperature. We used a quadramer, a bridge-connected DNA tetra-aptamer to antivesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), as a viral cryoprotectant. Results showed that the tetravalent antivirus DNA aptamers protect viral activity during multiple freeze-thaw cycles, shield from neutralizing antibodies, and decrease aggregation of viral particles.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Ottawa , 10 Marie Curie, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada.
authors.forename: Shahrokh M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Ghobadloo
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Ottawa , 10 Marie Curie, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada.
authors.forename: Ana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gargaun
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Ottawa , 10 Marie Curie, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada.
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Casselman
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Ottawa , 10 Marie Curie, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada.
authors.forename: Darija
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Muharemagic
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Ottawa , 10 Marie Curie, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada.
authors.forename: Maxim V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Berezovski
keywords: Aptamer; cryoprotection; quadramer; vesicular stomatitis virus; viral stabilizers