This paper reports on novel methodologies for the patterning and templated synthesis of virus-structured nanomaterials in two- and three-dimensional microfabricated architectures using the Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). The TMV is a high aspect ratio biological molecule which can be engineered to include amino acids with enhanced binding properties. These modifications facilitate self-assembly of the TMV onto various substrates and enable its use as a template for the synthesis of nanostructured materials. This work focuses on the combination of this bottom-up biologically inspired fabrication method with standard top-down micromachining processes that allow direct integration of the virus-structured materials into batch-fabricated devices. Photolithographic patterning of uncoated as well as nickel-coated TMV nanostructures has been achieved using a lift-off process in both solvent and mild basic solutions and their assembly onto three-dimensional polymer and silicon microstructures is demonstrated. In addition to these patterning techniques, in situ formation of metal oxide TMV coatings in patterned microfabricated environments is shown using atomic layer deposition directly on the nickel-coated viruses. The biofabrication 'process toolbox' presented in this work offers a simple and versatile alternative for the hierarchical patterning and incorporation of biotemplated nanomaterials into micro/nanofabrication schemes.

Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) has the potential to be an ideal candidate for a building block of the next-generation micro/nano/bio systems. The TMV virion is a high-aspect ratio rigid nanotube that is robust and compatible with some conventional microfabrication processes. TMV can be chemically and genetically modified to enhance its physical properties and tailor them to specific applications. This review covers the use of TMV nanostructures in a wide range of micro/nano/bio systems. TMV has been utilized in the production of nanowires, nanostructured thin films, biomimetic surfaces, novel sensors, high performance microbatteries, solid-state electronics, and engineered biosystems. The work highlighted here is meant to give a perspective of the entire breadth of the properties of these virions, from their synthesis and functionalization to assembly and patterning, as well as feature works that represent key milestones in the field of biofabrication and biomaterial integration. The advantages already demonstrated by the integration of TMV nanostructures, even at this early stage of development, suggest that the applications for this micro/ nano/bio systems building block will continue to grow. V

This paper presents a selective differential sensing method based on diffusion modulation of the target molecules through suspended Tobacco mosaic virus-like particles modified with binding peptides for TNT sensing in solution.

A novel virus-like particle (TMV-VLP) receptor layer has been integrated with an optical microdisk resonator transducer for biosensing applications. This bioreceptor layer is functionalized with selective peptides that encode unique recognition affinities. Integration of bioreceptors with sensor platforms is very challenging due their very different compatibility regimes. The TMV-VLP nanoreceptor exhibits integration robustness, including the ability for self-assembly along with traditional top-down microfabrication processes. An optical microdisk resonator has been functionalized for antibody binding with this receptor, demonstrating resonant wavelength shifts of (Δλo) of 0.79 nm and 5.95 nm after primary antibody binding and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively, illustrating label-free sensing of this bonding event. This demonstration of label-free sensing with genetically engineered TMV-VLP shows the flexibility and utility of this receptor coating when considering integration with other existing transducer platforms.