M13 virus

M13 plasmids are used for many recombinant DNA processes, because these virons do not lyse the host cells. However a decrease in the rate of cell growth is seen in the infected cells. This virus affects bacteria however, and does not affect humans.

In 2006, MIT researchers modified the DNA of M13 viruses to produce a protein that would complex with cobalt ions in solution, leading to cobalt oxide, a material with rather high energy storage capacity -higher than current carbon-based lithium-ion batteries.