Fluctuating nonlinear spring theory: Strength, deformability, and toughness of biological nanoparticles from theoretical reconstruction of force-deformation spectra.

ABSTRACT: We developed the Fluctuating Nonlinear Spring (FNS) model to describe the dynamics of mechanical deformation of biological particles, such as virus capsids. The theory interprets the force-deformation spectra in terms of the "Hertzian stiffness" (non-linear regime of a particle's small-amplitude deformations), elastic constant (large-amplitude elastic deformations), and force range in which the particle's fracture occurs. The FNS theory enables one to quantify the particles' elasticity (Young's moduli for Hertzian and bending deformations), and the limits of their strength (critical forces, fracture toughness) and deformability (critical deformations) as well as the probability distributions of these properties, and to calculate the free energy changes for the particle's Hertzian, elastic,

SUBMITTER: Maksudov F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7897321 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature