Virus-like particles (VLPs) are considered natural nucleic acid nanomedicines, wherein nucleic acids (drugs) are enclosed by a viral empty shell (drug carrier). Through nucleic acid staining, we can rapidly distinguish complete viruses, viral empty shells, free nucleic acids, etc., from the compounds and further assess drug encapsulation efficiency, quantity, and the proportion of effective drugs.

Viruses can be chemically and genetically engineered due to their good biocompatibility, stability and rapid reproduction. As the physicochemical properties of virus particles can directly influence their functions, developing a rapid, sensitive, and generic characterization method is key.

Lentivirus is a gene vector developed from HIV-1 (human immunodeficiency type I virus), consisting of a lipid membrane, capsid, and internal RNA genome, with an average diameter of 80-120 nm.

Oncolytic viruses (OAs) are a type of tumor-killing virus with replication ability. They selectively infect tumor cells by deactivating tumor suppressor genes in target cells, replicate themselves in the cytoplasm, and eventually destroy the tumor cells.

Virus-like particle vaccines are large particles assembled from one or several structural proteins of multiple viruses. They do not contain viral nucleic acid, cannot replicate autonomously, and have an overall structure similar to viral particles.