Synthesis and Characterization of Iron Oxide Derivatized Mutant Cowpea Mosaic Virus Hybrid Nanoparticles

A novel nanoparticle hybrid is attained by the covalent attachment of iron oxide (gamma-Fe2O3) nanoclusters onto the surface of a mutagenized cow pea mosaic virus (CPMV-T184C). Using a stepwise substrate-based integration, monodisperse CPMV-IO hybrids are anchored on a gold substrate. The physical and magnetic properties of individual CPMV-IO hybrids are qualitatively investigated by atomic/magnetic force microscopy (AFM/MFM). During MFM characterization a 'boundary-effect' is observed at the CPMV/IO interface.