Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 29, 2026
08:00
DNA Nanotubes as a Versatile Tool to Study Semiflexible Polymers
Published on: October 25, 2017
Elastic modulus of viral nanotubes.
Yue Zhao1, Zhibin Ge, Jiyu Fang
1Advanced Materials Processing and Analysis Center and Department of Mechanical, Materials, and Aerospace Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA.
Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics
|October 15, 2008
Summary
This study measured the radial elasticity of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) nanotubes using atomic force microscopy. Results show TMV nanotubes exhibit mechanical properties comparable to their axial elasticity.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) nanotubes are a promising biomaterial for nanotechnology applications.
- Understanding the mechanical properties of TMV nanotubes is crucial for their effective utilization.
- Previous studies have focused on the axial elasticity of TMV nanotubes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally and theoretically investigate the radial elasticity of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) nanotubes.
- To determine the radial Young's modulus of TMV nanotubes.
- To compare the radial elasticity with the known axial elasticity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized atomic force microscopy (AFM) to apply controlled radial indentations to TMV nanotubes.
- Employed finite-element analysis (FEA) for modeling the elastic response at larger indentation depths (5nm).
- Applied Hertz theory for modeling the elastic response at smaller indentation depths (1.5nm).
Main Results:
- The radial elastic response of TMV nanotubes was successfully modeled using FEA and Hertz theory.
- Derived radial Young's modulus values were 0.92±0.15 GPa (FEA) and 1.0±0.2 GPa (Hertz model).
- These radial elasticity values are comparable to the previously reported axial Young's modulus of 1.1 GPa.
Conclusions:
- TMV nanotubes possess significant radial elasticity.
- The mechanical properties of TMV nanotubes are consistent in both radial and axial directions.
- This comprehensive understanding of TMV nanotube mechanics opens avenues for advanced biomaterial design and applications.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Strain and Elastic Modulus
The quantity that describes the deformation of a body under stress is known as strain. Strain is given as a fractional change in either length, volume, or geometry under tensile, volume (also known as bulk), or shear stress, respectively, and is a dimensionless quantity. The strain experienced by a body under tensile or compressive stress is called tensile or compressive strain, respectively. In contrast, the strain experienced under bulk stress and shear stress is known as volume and shear...
01:16Dynamic Modulus of Elasticity of Concrete
The dynamic modulus of elasticity assesses how a concrete structure deforms under impact or dynamic loads. It is typically higher than the static modulus of elasticity, measured under slow, steady loading conditions.
The sonic test is a common method to determine the dynamic modulus. In this test, a concrete beam, sized either 6 x 6 x 30 inches or 4 x 4 x 20 inches, is clamped at its center. Vibrations are initiated at one end of the beam by an electromagnetic exciter unit powered by a...
The sonic test is a common method to determine the dynamic modulus. In this test, a concrete beam, sized either 6 x 6 x 30 inches or 4 x 4 x 20 inches, is clamped at its center. Vibrations are initiated at one end of the beam by an electromagnetic exciter unit powered by a...
01:26Hooke's Law
Hooke's law, a pivotal principle in material science, establishes that the strain a material undergoes is directly proportional to the applied stress, defined by a factor called the modulus of elasticity or Young's modulus.
01:20Elasticity in Concrete
Upon subjecting concrete to moderate or high uniaxial compressive or tensile stresses, the strain response is non-linear relative to the stress applied. As the stress is removed, the resulting stress-strain curve deviates from the original path traced during loading, creating a hysteresis loop, indicative of the concrete's non-linear and non-elastic properties. Typically, a material's modulus of elasticity, which is a measure of the material's stiffness, is inferred from the linear portion of...
01:15Relation between Poisson's ratio, Modulus of Elasticity and Modulus of Rigidity
Deformation occurs in axial and transverse directions when an axial load is applied to a slender bar. This deformation impacts the cubic element within the bar, transforming it into either a rectangular parallelepiped or a rhombus, contingent on its orientation. This transformation process induces shearing strain. Axial loading elicits both shearing and normal strains. Applying an axial load instigates equal normal and shearing stresses on elements oriented at a 45° angle to the load axis.