Tobacco Mosaic Virus Assembled High Aspect Ratio Surfaces

A modified version of the rod-shaped Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV1cys) provides a robust template for the self-assembly and fabrication of high-surface-area materials for numerous applications including batteries and sensors. TMV1cys surface fabrication is facilitated by the addition of a single cysteine residue to the virus coat protein that directs the vertical attachment of the virus particle onto substrate surfaces and enables deposition of functional inorganic layers. Here we describe the production and purification of the virus, its assembly onto suitable surfaces, and coating with metallic nickel and cobalt.