Small icosahedral viruses account for more than half of the known viruses. Some of them, like the brome mosaic virus (BMV), provide examples of remarkable molecular architecture control achievable by self-assembly. They also represent much more than the sum of their parts, as they reconfigure structurally in response to chemical cues through global transformations akin phase transitions. Due to the switching in mechanical properties that ensues, virus shell scaffolds offer unexpected opportunities in biophotonics: When chemically conjugated with hundreds of organic dyes, a 30 nm BMV capsid becomes super-radiant at room temperature, i.e. after excitation, it emits light from all the dyes at the same time, as a burst, somewhat similar to a pulsed laser.

Unexpectedly bright side of icosahedral virus particles

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.