M13-Phage-Based Star-Shaped Particles with Internal Flexibility

Abstract

We report on the construction and the dynamics of monodisperse star-shaped particles, mimicking, at the mesoscale, star polymers. Such multiarm star-like particles result from the self-assembly of gold nanoparticles, forming the core, with tip-linked filamentous viruses (M13 bacteriophages) acting as spines in a sea urchin-like structure. By combining fluorescence and dark-field microscopy with dynamic light scattering, we investigate the diffusion of these hybrid spiny particles. We reveal the internal dynamics of the star particles by probing their central metallic core, which exhibits a hindered motion that can be described as a Brownian particle trapped in a harmonic potential. We therefore show that the filamentous viruses and specifically their tip proteins behave as entropic springs, extending the relevance of the study of such hybrid mesoscopic analogues of star polymers to phage biotechnology.

A passive star polymer in a dense active bath: insights from computer simulations

“…37 In a few examples from literature, scientists have biologically engineered star-shaped molecules to mimic properties of viruses and studied their dynamics. 38,39 It is also interesting to note that scientists and engineers have begun synthesizing star-shaped polymers which are more efficient for drug delivery due to their tunable properties. 40–44 Some computational studies on star polymers have been performed in passive baths (good and bad solvent), 45 where the authors have studied the conformational changes and dynamics.…”