Zika Virus (ZIKV): A New Perspective on the Nanomechanical and Structural Properties

Abstract

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) from Flavivirus. In 2015, Brazil and other Latin American countries experienced an outbreak of ZIKV infections associated with severe neurological disorders such as Guillain–Barre syndrome (GBS), encephalopathy, and encephalitis. Here, a complete mechanical and structural analysis of the ZIKV has been performed using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). AFM analysis corroborated the virus mean size (~50 nm) and icosahedral geometry and revealed high mechanical resistance of both: the viral surface particle (~200 kPa) and its internal content (~800 kPa). The analysis demonstrated the detailed organization of the nucleocapsid structure (such as RNA strips). An interesting finding was the discovery that ZIKV has no surface self-assembling property. These results can contribute to the development of future treatment candidates and circumscribe the magnitude of viral transmission.

Investigation of Soft Matter Nanomechanics by Atomic Force Microscopy and Optical Tweezers: A Comprehensive Review

“…These parameters, characterizing the flexibility and elasticity of a DNA molecule, can be obtained by stretching a single molecule with OT and fitting the force–extension curve with a theoretical model. Experimentally, one end of DNA can be attached to a fixed microscopic bead or anchored to a cover glass, while the other end is attached to an optically trapped bead, as shown in Figure 7 c [ 179 , 180 ]. Pulling the trapped bead connected with one end of DNA with OT, we can stretch the polymer, measuring the corresponding stretching force.…”

Atomic Force Microscopy Applied to the Study of Tauopathies

“…Tissue shape and mechanics, for example, are critical for regulating organ function. AFM can capture high-resolution images and connect them with mechanical and viscoelastic properties, making it an ideal tool for studying blood cells, cancer cells, , and viral particles, among other biological systems . It is worth noting that AFM can be utilized in the physiological circumstances of cells or biomolecules.…”