Recent experimental advances in probing the colloidal properties of viruses

Colloidal properties of viruses largely define the stability, transport, and host interactions of viruses. Despite attempts to unravel the correlation between colloidal virus properties and their interactions outside and inside their host, an in-depth understanding is still missing. This knowledge gap is, to a great extent, caused by challenges associated with the capacity to probe these properties experimentally; thus, great efforts are being invested in developing new approaches or transforming existing ones to characterize the physical-chemical, i.e., colloidal, properties of viruses. Understanding the correlation between these properties and virus interactions is not only important from a scientific point of view but will also hopefully inspire the design of novel viral vectors and virus-like particles for biomedical applications. In this review, we cover the recent experimental advances in characterizing the colloidal properties of viruses with particular attention to virus hydrophobicity, genetic load, nanomechanical properties, and surface interaction forces with host cells.

Automated summary

The colloidal properties of viruses play a crucial role in their stability, transport, and interactions with hosts. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive understanding on the correlation between these properties and virus-host interactions. Efforts are being made to develop new approaches or improve existing ones to experimentally characterize the physical-chemical properties of viruses. This knowledge not only contributes to scientific research but also opens up possibilities for the design of novel viral vectors and virus-like particles for biomedical applications.