3D printed model of a virus that self assembles when shaken

Posted By sculpteo on Aug 17, 2011 | 0 comments

This video shot in real time with no tricks shows the process of self-assembly driven by random motion. It demonstrates how viruses and other complex biological organisms put themselves together without direction from the outside, except random motion from heat. Patent has been applied for.

In this second video, Professor Arthur J. Olson of the Scripps Research Institute demonstrates himself the 3D printed model of this virus that self assembles when shaken.

Olson is head of the Molecular Graphics Laboratory, which uses 3D computer models, 3D printing, and augmented reality to create tools for life science researchers and educators.