Chitosan-mediated Patterned Viral Nanotemplate Assembly onto Inorganic Substrates through Nucleic Acid Hybridization

We present patterned assembly of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) through hybridization of its own genomic information with probe DNA assembled onto electrodeposited chitosan scaffold. Chitosan's unique pH-responsive and chemically reactive properties allow facile biomolecule assembly onto conductive surfaces from aqueous environment. Genetically modified TMV serves as a potent nanotemplate for covalent conjugation of fluorescent markers or nanoparticles. This work represents a significant step toward assembling biological components for devices in biomedical applications