[Atomic force microscopy investigation of the denudation of the envelope of influenza virus treated with Nonidet P-40].
OBJECTIVE
Through observing the morphology and topography of the prepared influenza viruses (H1N1) treated with the different Nonidet P-40 solutions using atomic force microscopy (AFM), to explore the application of AFM on the research of the internal character of viral morphology and structural virology.


METHODS
The virus samples were treated with serial diluted Nonidet P-40 solutions from 0.05% to 0.20% and then investigated by AFM with the tapping mode in air at room temperature to obtain the morphology and topography changes including height data,amplitude data and phase data for both spherical and filamentous influenza virus A.


RESULTS
The serial AFM images show that the erosion degree of the virions is proportional with the improvement of NP-40 concentration,and partly denuded virion image appeared at 0.05% NP-40 treatment, which was revealed clearly on both amplitude images and phase images.


CONCLUSIONS
This work demonstrated for the first time that the internal topography of influenza virion could be revealed by AFM via suitable nonionic surfactants chemical dissection.
Hu
Kong-xin
KX
Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing 100025, China. kongxinhu@sina.com
Zhang
Li-ping
LP
Mi
Chao
C
Liu
Yan-fei
YF
Shuo
Hua-qian
HQ
Wang
Jing
J
Zhang
Le
L
Wang
Bao-lin
BL
D006801:Humans; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000187:drug effects; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force / Q000295:instrumentation*; D049329:Nanostructures; D017830:Octoxynol; D009975:Orthomyxoviridae / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000187:drug effects; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013089:Spermatocidal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology
D013089:Spermatocidal Agents; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D017830:Octoxynol; C010615:Nonidet P-40