# name
Shape selection and mis-assembly in viral capsid formation by elastic frustration

# metadata.dc.description.abstract[].value
The successful assembly of a closed protein shell (or capsid) is a key step in the replication of viruses and in the production of artificial viral cages for bio/nanotechnological applications. During self-assembly, the favorable binding energy competes with the energetic cost of the growing edge and the elastic stresses generated due to the curvature of the capsid. As a result, incomplete structures such as open caps, cylindrical or ribbon-shaped shells may emerge, preventing the successful replication of viruses. Using elasticity theory and coarse-grained simulations, we analyze the conditions required for these processes to occur and their significance for empty virus self-assembly. We find that the outcome of the assembly can be recast into a universal phase diagram showing that viruses with high mechanical resistance cannot be self-assembled directly as spherical structures. The results of our study justify the need of a maturation step and suggest promising routes to hinder viral infections by inducing mis-assembly.

# metadata.dc.rights[].value
cc-by (c) Mendoza, Carlos I. et al., 2020

# metadata.dc.source[].value
Articles publicats en revistes (Física de la Matèria Condensada)

# metadata.dc.title[].value
Shape selection and mis-assembly in viral capsid formation by elastic frustration