The virus particles are 28 nm in diameter and contain 60 copies each of a Large (L) and Small (S) coat protein.

[2] CPMV displays a number of features that can be exploited for nanoscale biomaterial fabrication.

This gives the natural or genetically engineered nanoparticles a range of properties which could be useful in nanotechnological applications such as biosensors, catalysis and nanoelectronic devices.

In this application, the virus particles separate the fluorescent dyes used for signaling in order to prevent the formation of non-fluorescent dimers that act as quenchers.

[6] CPMV particles have also shown potential for in-situ vaccination in cancer immunotherapy[7]