Biologically Inspired Strategy for the Assembly of Viral Building Blocks with Controlled Dimensions.
Rego, Jennifer.
2012
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Abstract: I demonstrate the assembly of nanoscale viral building blocks of
controlled lengths using a biologically motivated strategy. To achieve this I exploit the
simple assembly mechanism of Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), whose length is solely governed by
the length of its genomic mRNA, using both the wildtype and genetically engineered
(displaying cysteine residues) forms of the virus. The ... read moreobserved lengths of the viral
building blocks correlate well with the expected lengths. Additionally, I demonstrate the
assembly of viral building blocks of controlled length derived from the genetically
engineered form of TMV displaying cysteine groups, which signifies that the mutation does
not affect viral building block assembly. Next, I examine the application of WT viral
building blocks as individual components for the assembly of 1 dimensional nanoarrays via
biotin-streptavidin binding. Finally, I examine the application of genetically engineered
1cys viral building blocks as a biological template for the synthesis of metal
nanoparticles, functionalization by small molecules and a component of a vertically
patterned template. I envision that the biologically inspired assembly strategy to design
and construct viral building blocks of controlled dimensions together with the applications
explored could be employed to fabricate well-controlled nanoarchitectures and hybrid
nanomaterials for a wide variety of applications.
Thesis (Ph.D.)--Tufts University, 2012.
Submitted to the Dept. of Chemistry.
Advisor: Hyunmin Yi.
Committee: Krishna Kumar, Charles Sykes, and Matthew Panzer.
Keyword: Nanoscience.read less - ID:
- kd17d436r
- Component ID:
- tufts:21990
- To Cite:
- TARC Citation Guide EndNote
