Tobacco mosaic virus: A biological building block for micro/nano/bio systems

Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) has the potential to be an ideal candidate for a building block of the next-generation micro/nano/bio systems. The TMV virion is a high-aspect ratio rigid nanotube that is robust and compatible with some conventional microfabrication processes. TMV can be chemically and genetically modified to enhance its physical properties and tailor them to specific applications. This review covers the use of TMV nanostructures in a wide range of micro/nano/bio systems. TMV has been utilized in the production of nanowires, nanostructured thin films, biomimetic surfaces, novel sensors, high performance microbatteries, solid-state electronics, and engineered biosystems. The work highlighted here is meant to give a perspective of the entire breadth of the properties of these virions, from their synthesis and functionalization to assembly and patterning, as well as feature works that represent key milestones in the field of biofabrication and biomaterial integration. The advantages already demonstrated by the integration of TMV nanostructures, even at this early stage of development, suggest that the applications for this micro/nano/bio systems building block will continue to grow. (C) 2013 American Vacuum Society.