Abstract

A study of the in vitro nanoparticle-templated assembly of a mutant of cowpea chlorotic mottle virus lacking most of the N-terminal domain (residues 4−37), NΔ34, is presented. Mutant empty proteins assemble into empty capsids with a much broader distribution of sizes than the wild-type virus. This increased flexibility in the assembly outcomes is known to be detrimental for the assembly process in the presence of molecular polyanions. However, when rigid polyanionic cores are used, such as nanoparticles, the assembly process is restored and virus-like particles form. Moreover, the breadth of the nanoparticle-templated capsid size distribution becomes comparable with the wild-type virus size distribution.

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Dragnea Research is at the forefront of multidisciplinary innovation, exploring the intersection of nanoscale optics, quantum photonics, physical virology, and bio-architected hybrid materials with 3D nanoscale order. Their latest publications highlight groundbreaking advancements in fields such as self-assembly, optics and spectroscopy, and the physical manipulation of virus-like particles (VLPs) for chemical imaging and surface modifications. Drawing from their expertise in using near-field scanning techniques and laser-induced effects, these works showcase how nanoscale phenomena can be harnessed for applications in material science, virology, and beyond. The accompanying visual mosaic underscores the diverse range of their research, from probing molecular dynamics to the development of 3D-ordered structures, all united by a commitment to pushing the boundaries of applied and theoretical science.