Molecular-level observation of the self-assembly of a virus-like particle

TL;DR - Researchers combined mass photometry with single-molecule trapping to monitor individual virus-like particles assembling in real time at molecular resolution. The approach enables direct measurement of self-assembly pathways and dynamics.

• Tracks the assembly of individual virus-like particles rather than ensemble averages.
• Combines mass-sensitive measurements with single-molecule trapping.
• Enables real-time observation and quantification of intermediate assembly states.
• Provides a tool for studying the molecular mechanisms and kinetics of viral-particle self-assembly.