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Bacteriophage capsids: tough nanoshells with complex elastic properties.

I L Ivanovska1, P J de Pablo, B Ibarra

  • 1Faculty of Exact Sciences, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, The Netherlands.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
|May 11, 2004
PubMed
Summary

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Bacteriophage phi 29 shells are strong, resisting significant force and indentation, similar to hard plastic. Repetitive stress can cause fatigue and breakage, offering insights for nanotechnology design.

Area of Science:

  • Structural biology
  • Biophysics
  • Materials science

Background:

  • Bacteriophage shells protect viral DNA and store energy for host injection.
  • Understanding viral shell mechanics is crucial for virology and nanotechnology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanical properties of bacteriophage phi 29 shells.
  • To determine the force resistance and elastic behavior of viral capsids.

Main Methods:

  • Applying localized point forces to nanometer-sized bacteriophage phi 29 shells.
  • Measuring indentation depth and force resistance.
  • Analyzing the elastic response and Young's modulus of the shell.

Main Results:

  • Empty bacteriophage phi 29 shells withstand nanonewton forces and up to 30% indentation.

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  • The shell's elastic response is heterogeneous, correlating with protein arrangement.
  • Young's modulus is approximately 1.8 GPa, comparable to hard plastic.
  • Repetitive probing leads to fatigue and eventual breakage of the capsids.

    • Conclusions:

    • Bacteriophage shells exhibit remarkable mechanical strength and resilience.
    • The findings provide insights into viral mechanoprotection mechanisms.
    • The study suggests potential design principles for advanced nanotechnology applications.