Producing Plant Virus Patterns with Defined 2D Structure

Abstract

In nanobiotechnology, viral nanoparticles have come into focus as interesting nano building blocks. In this context, the formation of 2D and 3D structures is of particular interest. Herein, the creation of defined 2D patterns of an icosahedral plant virus, the tomato bushy stunt virus (TBSV), by means of different techniques is reported on: the top‐down lithography ebeam and focused ion beam (FIB) as well as the bottom‐up fluidic force microscope (FluidFM) approach. The obtained layer structures are imaged by scanning force and scanning electron microscopy. The data show that a defined 2D structure can successfully be created either top down by FIB or bottom up by FluidFM. Electron beam lithography is not able to remove viruses from the substrate under the chosen conditions. FIB has an advantage if larger areas covered with viruses combined with smaller areas without being desired. FluidFM is advantageous if only small areas with viruses are required. A further benefit is that the uncovered areas are not affected. The pattern formation in FluidFM is influenced not only by the spotting parameters, but in particular by the drying process. Deegan and Marangoni effects are shown to play a role if the spotted droplets are not very small.

Review: Advanced Atomic Force Microscopy Modes for Biomedical Research

“…Last but not least, the hollow cantilever can be used for local dispensing of liquid to create patterns on the sample surface. This allows precise control of molecular assembly [ 130 ], 2D patterning [ 131 ], nanoscale 3D printing [ 114 , 132 ], and 3D lithography [ 133 ]. FluidFM techniques have started to become a popular cell manipulation tool in addition to optical and magnetic tweezers.…”