Professor, Physics and Astronomy
Office: UCLA, 2-240B Knudsen
Phone: (310) 825-8539
Webpage: Physics Dept Link
Mechanical Strength
Robijn Bruinsma, PhD
Squeezing Viruses with an Atomic Force Microscope
We know from our studies with lambda phage that viral capsids can support internal pressures of 50 - 60 atm. The interactions between the proteins that make up the capsid are held together by hydrophobic and electrostatic forces and hydrogen bonds. How can structures that are joined by relatively weak bonds be so strong? Just how strong are viral capsids?
