Probing the impact of loading rate on the mechanical properties of viral nanoparticles

► We probed the dynamic force response of virus capsids by AFM nanoindentation. ► The dynamic force response varies across different viruses. ► The mechanical failure of virus capsids is particularly sensitive to loading rate. ► Loading rate can affect stiffness in virus capsids, unlike single bonds. ► Bell's theorem does not apply to virus capsids, more elaborate theory is required.