Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2026
Subnanometer-Resolution Structural Determination of Hemagglutinin from Cryo-Electron Tomography of Influenza Viruses
Published on: November 7, 2025
[An atomic force microscopy study on the images of para influenza virus under different treatment conditions]
Ruihua Tang1, Xiaoping Xue, Wen Yin
1College of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnic University, Xi'an 710072, China.
Abstract:
Using atomic force microscope (AFM), we investigated the images of Pars influenza virus (PIV) under different treatment conditions and observed the different appearances of the virus and its ultra-microstructure from the exterior to the interior. From the 2D images under transmission electron microscope (TEM), we could see that the surfaces of PIV particles exhibited spherical and band-shaped 'tufts'; from the 3D images under AFM, we could further observe the whole spherical virus particles and their detailed surfaces, which exhibited round and band-shaped 'tufts'. Comparing the images under TEM with those under AFM, we found that the latter could reveal the surface topograph and ultramicrostructure of viruses more truly than did the former. The samples of viruses were treated by Tritonx-100, the lipid envelopes of virions were partly or completely resolved, and then most of their capsids were exposed. We could observe the different appearances of the virions under AFM, the lipid envelopes of which were gradually removed. The samples of viruses were also treated by SDS, and the RNA was released from the virions. From the AFM images, we could see the structure of the RNA. It was thus clear that AFM could be used to investigate the different appearances and ultramicrostructure of viruses rapidly and efficiently.
Insights
Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) provides superior 3D imaging of Parainfluenza virus (PIV) structures compared to Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). AFM reveals detailed viral surface topography and internal components like RNA after detergent treatment.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Microscopy
- Nanotechnology
Context:
- Parainfluenza virus (PIV) is a significant human pathogen.
- Understanding viral structure is crucial for developing antiviral strategies.
- Traditional imaging techniques like Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) offer limited surface detail.
Purpose:
- To compare the efficacy of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and TEM in visualizing PIV.
- To investigate the ultra-microstructure of PIV under various treatment conditions.
- To demonstrate the capability of AFM in resolving viral surface topography and internal components.
Summary:
- AFM provides high-resolution 3D imaging of PIV, surpassing TEM in revealing surface topography.
- Treatment with Tritonx-100 and SDS allowed visualization of PIV lipid envelopes, capsids, and internal RNA structures.
- AFM effectively captures the spherical and band-shaped surface features of PIV particles.
Impact:
- AFM offers a rapid and efficient method for detailed viral ultrastructure analysis.
- This technique enhances our understanding of virus morphology and composition.
- The findings support AFM as a valuable tool in virology research and diagnostics.
