Virus morphology: Insights from super-resolution fluorescence microscopy
Nicole C. Robb
Abstract
As epitomised by the COVID-19 pandemic, diseases caused by viruses are one of the greatest health and economic burdens to human society. Viruses are 'nanostructures', and their small size (typically less than 200 nm in diameter) can make it challenging to obtain images of their morphology and structure. Recent advances in fluorescence microscopy have given rise to super-resolution techniques, which have enabled the structure of viruses to be visualised directly at a resolution in the order of 20 nm. This mini-review discusses how recent state-of-the-art super-resolution imaging technologies are providing new nanoscale insights into virus structure.
Topics & Concepts
MicroscopyResolution (logic)Fluorescence microscopeNanotechnologyVirusNanostructureNanoscopic scaleSuper-resolution microscopyMorphology (biology)SuperresolutionHigh resolutionCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)FluorescenceMaterials scienceBiologyVirologyOpticsComputer scienceGeographyPhysicsRemote sensingArtificial intelligenceMedicineZoologyInfectious disease (medical specialty)PathologyDiseaseImage (mathematics)Advanced Fluorescence Microscopy TechniquesIntegrated Circuits and Semiconductor Failure AnalysisSpectroscopy Techniques in Biomedical and Chemical Research