The generation of empty Turnip yellow mosaic virus capsids through depletion of virion-associated divalent cations

Turnip yellow mosaic virus (TYMV) is a well-studied icosahedral plant virus that has attractive properties for nanoscience applications. Stable empty particles devoid of viral genomic RNA have historically been generated from virions by: 1. high pressure; 2. extreme alkaline pH; and 3. freeze-thaw using liquid nitrogen. Herein we report a fourth and more convenient avenue for empty particle formation through EDTA treatment, implicating chelation of virion-associated cations. We present findings that confirm TYMV virions purified in an EDTA-based buffer are converted to 94 % empty on average during purification. Additional experimentation revealed TYMV virions purified through CsCl vs. sucrose gradients are more readily converted to empty particles after freeze thaw. These studies are novel as they show a purification method through EDTA-treatment that can generate stable empty particles devoid of viral genome. The convenience of this method should prove suitable for scientists seeking to use TYMV capsids in nanoscience-inspired applications. Importantly, these findings provide insight into historical discrepancies in creating empty particles after freeze-thaw, as the method in which TYMV virions are purified influences the downstream virion-to-empty conversion process. •A convenient means for generating TYMV empty particles without the need for freeze-thaw is presented.•TYMV virions purified through CsCl vs. sucrose gradients are more readily converted to empty particles after freeze-thaw.•The buffer conditions used in purification can impact the efficiency of obtaining TYMV empty particles.