Viral Protein Capsid

Biological self-assembling protein shell structure.

Core Principles & Analysis

• Capsids self-assemble from many copies of identical protein subunits into icosahedral shells with mathematically precise symmetry.
• Some phage capsids withstand internal pressures of tens of atmospheres exerted by the tightly packed DNA inside.
• Engineered virus-like particles serve as vaccine scaffolds and drug nanocontainers; the HPV vaccine is built from self-assembled capsid proteins.

Specifications & Metrics

• DENSITY: 1.30 g/cm³ (protein)
• YIELD STRENGTH: N/A
• HARDNESS: N/A