Effects of long-range interactions on curvature energies of viral shells

Phys Rev E. 2016 May;93(5):052415. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevE.93.052415. Epub 2016 May 23.

Abstract

We formulate a theory of the effects of long-range interactions on the surface tension and spontaneous curvature of proteinaceous shells based on the general Deryaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek mesoscale approach to colloid stability. We derive the full renormalization formulas for the elastic properties of the shell and consider in detail the renormalization of the spontaneous curvature as a function of the corresponding Hamaker coefficient, inner and outer capsid charges, and bathing solution properties. The renormalized spontaneous curvature is found to be a nonmonotonic function of several parameters describing the system.

MeSH terms

  • Capsid / chemistry*
  • Capsid Proteins / chemistry
  • Colloids / chemistry*
  • Energy Metabolism
  • Surface Tension

Substances

  • Capsid Proteins
  • Colloids