Visualizing viral assemblies in a nanoscale biosphere

Lab Chip. 2013 Jan 21;13(2):216-9. doi: 10.1039/c2lc41008g. Epub 2012 Dec 3.

Abstract

We present a novel microfluidic platform to examine biological assemblies at high-resolution. We have engineered a functionalized chamber that serves as a "nanoscale biosphere" to capture and maintain rotavirus double-layered particles (DLPs) in a liquid environment. The chamber can be inserted into the column of a transmission electron microscope while being completely isolated from the vacuum system. This configuration allowed us to determine the structure of biological complexes at nanometer-resolution within a self-contained vessel. Images of DLPs were used to calculate the first 3D view of macromolecules in solution. We refer to this new fluidic visualization technology as in situ molecular microscopy.

MeSH terms

  • Cryoelectron Microscopy
  • Immunoglobulin G / immunology
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques*
  • Rotavirus / physiology*
  • Viral Proteins / chemistry
  • Viral Proteins / metabolism
  • Virus Assembly / physiology

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Viral Proteins