Topography, Spike Dynamics, and Nanomechanics of Individual Native SARS-CoV-2 Virions

SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for current COVID-19 pandemic, displays a corona-shaped layer of spikes which play fundamental role in infection process. Recent structural data suggest that possess orientational freedom and ribonucleoproteins segregate into basketlike structures. How these features regulate dynamic mechanical behavior native virion are yet unknown. By imaging mechanically manipulating individual, SARS-CoV-2 virions with atomic force microscopy, here, we show their surface brush owing to flexibility rapid motion spikes. The highly compliant able recover from drastic perturbations. Their global structure is remarkably temperature resistant, but becomes progressively denuded upon thermal exposure. dynamics mechanics likely affect its stability interactions.