The current focus of our research is the mechanics of viral capsids and genome ejection mechanisms. The genome in viral capsids is often packaged at high densities and in bacteriophages even to near crystalline densities. This sets high requirements on the mechanical properties of the viral shells. Using Atomic Force Microscopy we are studying how viruses have adapted their capsid properties to fulfil their task of efficiently encapsulating the genome. DNA encapsulation is closely linked to the delivery of the genomic content and is also one of the focus points of my work. The process of genome delivery of bacteriophages can be studied using fluorescence techniques.
      Next to viral systems, my research interests are the cytoskeleton and their associated molecular motors. Using microfabricated pillar arrays we have been able to construct quasi two-dimensional cross-linked actin networks, which are used as a model system for the actin cortex of cells. The pillar arrays are used as force sensors in order to study the mechanics of deformation of two-dimensional biopolymer networks. Furthermore, we study the clustering of molecular motors (kinesins) on microtubules using micropillar arrays and fluorescence microscopy techniques. 

W. H. Roos, I. Gertsman, E. R. May, C. L. Brooks III, J. E. Johnson, G. J. L. Wuite
Mechanics of bacteriophage maturation
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A., 2012, Vol. 109, 2342-2347

M. Baclayon, G. K. Shoemaker, C. Uetrecht, S. Crawford, M. Estes, B. Prasad, A. J. Heck, G. J. Wuite, W. H. Roos
Pre-stress strenghtens the shell of Norwalk Virus Nanoparticles
Nano Letters, 2011, Vol. 11, 4865-4869

W. H. Roos, R. Bruinsma, G. J. L. Wuite
Physical Virology
Nature Physics, 2010, Vol. 6, 733-743

W. H. Roos, K. Radtke, E. Kniesmeijer, H. Geertsema, B. Sodeik, G. J. L. Wuite
Scaffold expulsion and genome packaging trigger stabilization of Herpes Simplex Virus capsids
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A., 2009, Vol. 106, 9673-9678