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Nanoscale Wetting of Single Viruses
Annalisa Calò1,2,3, Aitziber Eleta-Lopez3, Thierry Ondarçuhu4
1Department of Electronic and Biomedical Engineering, University of Barcelona, Calle Marti i Fraquès 1-11, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 10, 2021
Summary
This study reveals how Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) interacts with water at different humidity levels using multi-frequency atomic force microscopy (AFM). Researchers observed nanoscale wetting and thin water layers on individual TMV particles.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Nanotechnology
- Virology
Background:
- Viral infections spread is influenced by environmental conditions like humidity.
- Atomic force microscopy (AFM) typically visualizes viruses in liquid, limiting humidity effect studies.
- Understanding virus-environment interactions is crucial for epidemiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nanoscale wetting behavior of individual Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) particles.
- To assess the impact of varying relative humidity (RH) on TMV surface topography and water adsorption.
- To explore the capabilities of multi-frequency AFM in studying virus-water interactions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized multi-frequency AFM for simultaneous topography imaging and nanoscale wetting analysis.
- Recorded amplitude and phase vs. distance (APD) curves on single TMV particles across a range of RH.
- Converted APD curves into force vs. distance curves to quantify interactions.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated multi-frequency AFM's sensitivity in visualizing condensed water and droplets at RH > 100%.
- Detected a ~1 nm thin water layer adsorbed on TMV outer surfaces at RH < 60% using dynamic force spectroscopy.
- Observed nanoscale wetting phenomena on individual TMV virions.
Conclusions:
- Multi-frequency AFM is effective for studying virus hydration and surface water dynamics.
- TMV particles exhibit measurable water adsorption and wetting behavior influenced by ambient humidity.
- This research provides insights into virus environmental interactions relevant to disease transmission.
