ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the use of viruses, or virus-based structures for applications in nanobiotechnology. The six virus systems discussed in this chapter are the most investigated and engineered systems up to this point, and provide examples of many areas in which the use of viral nanobioengineering can potentially have a major impact. The self-assembly mechanism of M13 is common among filamentous phages, but unique in comparison with other virus systems. The ultimate goal of alternative energy technologies relies on high-efficiency operation, which can be enhanced through the use of biological templating and increased surface-to-volume ratios of catalytic components. As a result, virus-based nanobiotechnology has found uses in many emerging fields, from material templating to drug delivery to photocatalysis and other alternative energy applications.
