Self-assembly of viral particles

Viruses, as typical bionanoparticles from nature, possess many superb properties, such as exquisite symmetry, uniformity of size and shape, well-characterized surface chemistry that governs the potential interparticle interactions. These features make viral particles ideal building blocks for self-assembly studies and novel materials development. This review outlines some of the recent research activities in the area of controlled self-assembly of viruses and its potential use as materials. One particular application of the assembled viruses, especially for biomaterials, is also briefly discussed.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (287 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Head-to-tail assembly of rod-like viruses for 1D nanowire. ► Interfacial assembly of viral particles to form 2D viral arrays. ► Core–shell structures with virus as corona. ► Convective flow driven viral assemblies. ► Virus based bulk materials.