One-dimensional ring structures from M13 viruses were constructed by two genetic modifications encoding binding peptides and synthesis of a heterobifunctional linker molecule. The bifunctional viruses displayed an anti-streptavidin peptide and hexahistidine (SEQ ID NO:4) peptide at opposite ends of the virus as pIII and pIX fusions. Stoichiometric addition of the streptavidin-NiNTA linker molecule led to the reversible formation of virus-based nanorings with circumferences corresponding to lengths of the packageable DNAs. These virus-based ring structures can be further engineered to nucleate inorganic materials and form metallic, magnetic, or semiconductor nanorings using trifunctionalized viruses.