SAXS characterization of genetically engineered tobacco mosaic virus nanorods coated with palladium in the absence of external reducing agents

Abstract

Genetic modifications of the tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) coat proteins allow for an increase in the selective deposition and controlled growth of different metals onto the surface of the virus, making it an ideal biotemplate for metal nanowire formation. In the current process, TMV2Cys is coated sequentially with multiple uniform layers of palladium metal in aqueous solution under very mild conditions. Palladium nanowires of 300 nm in length and 30-40 nm in diameter have been created with this process. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) are used to characterize the thickness and uniformity of the metal surface. The TEM and SAXS results confirm that the final thickness of the palladium nanowires is controllable by varying the number of coating layers or the initial palladium concentration.