We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Gold Nanoparticle-Based Assay Enables Rapid Detection of Dengue Virus

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 08 Jul 2013
A rapid colorimetric agglutination assay for the detection of Dengue virus comprises reagents that are stable at room temperature and is sensitive and simple enough for field use.

The Dengue virus infects from 50-100 million people per year world-wide, and approximately 2.5% of infected individuals die from the disease, which has no vaccine or effective antiviral therapy. More...
The main method for preventing spread of the disease is through control of the mosquito vector.

Investigators at Notre Dame University (IN, USA) sought to develop a rapid assay to replace the laborious methods currently employed for detecting the virus in mosquito cells and cultures.

They described the development of an assay system based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) coated with a DNAzyme specific for the Dengue virus RNA genome. DNAzymes are DNA molecules that have the ability to perform a chemical reaction, such as catalytic action. In nature DNA is only associated only with gene replication. This is due to DNA's lacking the 2'-hydroxyl group of RNA, which diminishes its chemical reactivity and its ability to form complex tertiary structures, and that nearly all biological DNA exists in the double helix conformation in which potential catalytic sites are shielded. For these reasons, DNAzymes exist only in the laboratory.

When AuNPs coated with DNAzyme specific for Dengue virus RNA were introduced into cultures of Dengue-infected mosquito cells in the presence of magnesium and heat (37 degrees Celsius) the DNA-enzyme cleaved the viral RNA. This cleavage resulted in deshielding and aggregation of the AuNPs in the presence of NaCl, causing a visually detectable red to clear color transition that could be quantified by UV/Visible spectrophotometry at 520 nanometers wavelength. If Dengue viruses were not present in the sample, the DNAzyme-coated AuNPs remained in a dispersed state and no color loss occurred. Likewise, if any of the essential components such as magnesium or sodium were not present in the reaction mixture, no aggregation was possible. The inclusion of the detergent sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in the reaction mixture permitted the detection of Dengue virus directly from cell culture supernatants without additional sample processing.

The assay was shown to be able to detect as few as 10 viruses in samples containing from 10-20 mosquitoes. Test components were stable above 30 degrees Celsius, which would allow for storage and transportation under field conditions.

First author Dr.James Carter, postdoctoral research associate at Notre Dame University, said, "Full development of our novel DNAzyme-AuNP detection method will provide a practical, rapid, and low cost alternative for the detection of Dengue virus in mosquito cells and tissues, and possibly infected patient serum, in a matter of minutes with little to no specialized training required."

Results from tests carried out with the AuNP detection system were published in the June 28, 2013, online edition of the Virology Journal.

Related Links:
Notre Dame University


Gold Member
Antipsychotic TDM Assays
Saladax Antipsychotic Assays
3-Part Differential Hematology Analyzer
Swelab Alfa Plus Sampler
New
Host Response Immunoassay Test
MeMed BV
New
Staining System
RAL DIFF-QUIK
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: A simple blood test could replace surgical biopsies for early detecion of heart transplant rejection (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Blood Test Detects Organ Rejection in Heart Transplant Patients

Following a heart transplant, patients are required to undergo surgical biopsies so that physicians can assess the possibility of organ rejection. Rejection happens when the recipient’s immune system identifies... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: Pancreatic cancer diagnosis (Photo courtesy of World Journal of Gastroenterology)

AI-Driven Preliminary Testing for Pancreatic Cancer Enhances Prognosis

Pancreatic cancer poses a major global health threat due to its high mortality rate, with 467,409 deaths and 510,992 new cases reported worldwide in 2022. Often referred to as the "king" of all cancers,... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.