Nanotechnology: Using viruses to make materials

Scientists from the John Innes Center in the UK have succeeded in using Vigna unguiculata virus to cause yellow and black spot disease in peas as a material in nanotechnology.

The virus, which is 30 nanometers in size, does not infect or cause disease in humans and animals. Scientists link these viruses into a "scaffold", to 240 organic compounds, in which each compound contains an iron atom, clinging to create a new nanomaterial.

Using Vigna unguiculata virus to cause yellow and black spot disease in peas as a material in nanotechnology.

Iron-containing compounds are joined together by this "scaffold" of viruses that form nanoparticles with very high electrical conductivity.

New nanomaterials show special features that can be used to make nano-electronic devices and systems, biological sensors or for electronic catalytic processes.