# Characterization of adeno-associated virus binding to alginate and its controlled release

## TL;DR

The paper discovers that adeno-associated virus interacts with alginate, and this interaction varies by virus type, affecting its controlled release.

## Contribution

A novel serotype-dependent interaction between AAV and alginate is identified and quantified using atomic force microscopy.

## Key findings

- AAV binds to alginate with measurable force and frequency.
- The interaction varies depending on the AAV serotype.
- Serotype-specific interactions influence the sustained release of AAV from alginate hydrogels.

## Abstract

Gene therapy is an increasingly explored research field with many viral vectors under study. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is one of the more popular vectors, having already seen clinical success. While systemic or local injections are performed, more controlled means of delivery are being sought to localize treatment, reduce dosing and, minimize off-target effects. One commonly explored method is the use of hydrogels loaded with AAV placed at the site of interest. While investigating the use of alginate (a naturally occurring polysaccharide) we serendipitously discovered an interaction between the alginate itself and AAV. Through the use of atomic force microscopy (AFM) we were able to show that AAV binds to alginate and we quantified the force and frequency of the interaction. Furthermore, we have also shown that this interaction is serotype dependent, as it is not equal across different AAV serotypes. Finally, we showed that these differences in AAV serotype-alginate interactions correspondingly impact sustained release of the various serotypes from alginate hydrogels. This research offers novel insights into methods of controlled release of AAV.

In this paper we report on a novel interaction between adeno-associated virus and alginate. This AAV serotype-dependent interaction was measured using atomic force microscopy via single molecule force spectroscopy.