Year: 2000
Type: preprint
Abstract: We have prepared a homologous series of filamentous viruses with varying contour length using molecular cloning techniques. These viruses are monodisperse enough to form a stable smectic phase. Two systems are studied. The first system consists of viruses to which polymers are covalently attached to the virus surface. Through studies of the isotropic - cholesteric phase transition we demonstrate that covalently attached polymers alter the effective diameter of the virus. Additionally, we have produced mixtures of viruses whose ratio of effective diameters varies by a factor of five. The second system is composed of mixtures of rod-like viruses and non-absorbing polymers. With this system we study the kinetics of the isotropic - smectic phase transition and describe observations of a number of novel metastable structures of unexpected complexity.
Source: arXiv (Cornell University)
Authors: Dogic, Zvonimir, Fraden, Seth
Institution: Brandeis University
Language: English
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1647416732