Abstract: A genetically modified cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) protein capsid serves as a scaffold for metal nanoparticles, preferably gold nanospheres, of 15 nm to 35 nm, creating plasmonic nanoclusters. The self-assembled nanoclusters gave rise to a 10-fold surface-averaged enhancement of the local electromagnetic field. Other viral capsids or virus-like proteins may also serve as such scaffolds.

Abstract: Protein scaffolds from tobacco mosaic virus coat protein modified to incorporate polyhistidine can bind to a metal or a dye while having improved self-assembly characteristics. The scaffold can take the form of tubes or disks, and can further be formed into dual plasmonic ring resonators. Such self-assembled structures provide useful optical properties.

Abstract: A genetically modified cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) protein capsid serves as a scaffold for metal nanoparticles, preferably gold nanospheres, of 15 nm to 35 nm, creating plasmonic nanoclusters. The self-assembled nanoclusters gave rise to a 10-fold surface-averaged enhancement of the local electromagnetic field. Other viral capsids or virus-like proteins may also serve as such scaffolds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for detecting analytes using detectably labeled fluorescent protein scaffolds. In certain embodiments of the invention, the scaffolds are viral particles in which the capsid viral structure provides a scaffold to attach detectably labeled fluorescent dyes and capture moieties that can be utilized to determine the presence of a desired analyte in a sample using any suitable method. The protein scaffold can contain amino acids carrying reactive groups (e.g., amines and thiols) that are spatially distributed on it with large enough separation to enable the attachment of a greater number of fluorescent label molecules without quenching.

Abstract: Protein scaffolds from tobacco mosaic virus coat protein modified to incorporate polyhistidine can bind to a metal or a dye while having improved self-assembly characteristics. The scaffold can take the form of tubes or disks, and can further be formed into dual plasmonic ring resonators. Such self-assembled structures provide useful optical properties.

Abstract: A T4 nanoparticle is a non-infectious, tail-less variant of a T4 bacteriophage. In one embodiment, eukaryotic cells are labeled with dyed T4 nanoparticles, wherein each dyed T4 nanoparticle comprises at least 350 dye molecules covalently bound thereto. In another embodiment, T4 nanoparticles are used to deliver exogenous DNA to eukaryotic cells for protein expression therein. It is contemplated that T4 nanoparticles may be used to deliver other exogenous material to eukaryotic cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for detecting analytes using detectably labeled fluorescent protein scaffolds. In certain embodiments of the invention, the scaffolds are viral particles in which the capsid viral structure provides a scaffold to attach detectably labeled fluorescent dyes and capture moieties that can be utilized to determine the presence of a desired analyte in a sample using any suitable method. The protein scaffold can contain amino acids carrying reactive groups (e.g.