Virus-like particles (VLPs) have emerged as a dynamic research area at the crossroads of virology, nanoscience, and biomedical engineering. These non-infectious, self-assembled protein structures closely resemble native viruses in morphology but lack genetic material, eliminating pathogenic concerns while retaining superior functionality. In recent years, the field has witnessed remarkable progress in understanding the assembly mechanisms, surface modification strategies, and hybridization of VLPs with both biological and synthetic components. Concurrently, growing evidence highlights their versatility in diverse domains such as vaccines, drug and gene delivery, biosensing, and nanofabrication. Nonetheless, several critical challenges persist, particularly in scaling up production, fine-tuning structural properties, and ensuring functional integration with other nanomaterials. Ongoing debates surround the optimization of VLP design for clinical translation, the balance between immunogenicity and safety, and the sustainable manufacturing of VLP-based technologies. Thus, an integrated investigation into VLPs as bioinspired nanosystems is vital to harness their potential more fully.

This Research Topic aims to advance interdisciplinary understanding and innovation in the development and application of virus-like particles as bioinspired nanosystems for nanomedicine and nanotechnology. Central goals include the exploration of novel approaches for VLP engineering, addressing outstanding questions in their assembly, and optimizing their fusion with other materials for therapeutic, diagnostic, and nanotechnological applications. By bridging the latest findings from molecular biology, materials science, and biomedical engineering, this topic seeks to stimulate cross-disciplinary collaboration that defines new paradigms in VLP-based delivery, biosensing, and programmable nanofabrication. Ultimately, this Research Topic supports the translation of foundational knowledge into transformative tools impacting healthcare and nanoscience alike.

The scope of this Research Topic encompasses experimental, theoretical, and translational studies focusing on the design, function, and integration of virus-like particles in biomedical and technological settings. Submissions should specifically address the limitations and innovative aspects of VLP research, including scalability, hybrid system creation, and regulatory considerations. To gather further insights in VLP-based nanosystem development and application, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

o Design and genetic engineering strategies for VLPs

o Production, purification, and characterization methods

o Targeted modification and functionalization of VLPs

o Applications in drug delivery, vaccines, and gene therapy

o Creation of hybrid nanosystems with polymers, metals, or quantum materials

o Novel biosensing and diagnostic platforms based on VLPs

o Translational, regulatory, and sustainability aspects of VLP technologies

Appendix: This Research Topic welcomes original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews, and perspectives.

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Advances in Virus-Like Particles for Nanomedicine and Bioinspired Nanotechnology