| 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 observed 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. |
