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

Download Mobile App




Smartphone-Based Device Used for Influenza Virus Detection

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 05 Aug 2019
A simple and inexpensive smartphone-based device was able to detect influenza virus particles in clinical samples with almost 100 times greater sensitivity than commercial rapid influenza diagnostic tests.

Droplet-based digital bioassays enable highly sensitive and quantitative analysis of biomolecules. More...
However, digital bioassays generally require fluorescence microscopy techniques for detection, which are too large, expensive, and slow for point-of-care testing.

Investigators at the University of Tokyo (Japan) recently descibed an alternative method for detection of viruses in clinical samples. For this purpose, they developed a simple smartphone-based mobile imaging platform (23 × 10 cenitmeters × seven centimeters high) for digital point-of-care bioassays.

The device was designed to trap virus particles on a clear surface in microwells of 48 femtoliters capacity illuminated by an LED lamp. When a virus became trapped inside the microwell, the incident light from the LED was redirected upwards into the camera lens, manifesting as a bright pixel in an otherwise dark field.

The investigators used the smartphone device for digital influenza virus counting (DIViC) based on a fluorogenic assay for neuraminidase activity of the virus. Distinct fluorescence spots derived from single virus particles were observed. The number of detected fluorescence spots correlated well against the virus titer, suggesting that high sensitivity and quantification were achieved. On the other hand, the mobile platform detected only about 60% of influenza virus particles that could be identified by conventional fluorescence microscopy. Nonetheless, digital influenza virus counting with the mobile imaging platform still demonstrated 100 times greater sensitivity than could be obtained with a commercial rapid influenza test kit.

"I wanted to produce a useful tool for inaccessible or less-affluent communities that can help in the fight against diseases such as influenza," said first author Dr. Yoshihiro Minagawa, chief researcher in the faculty of engineering at the University of Tokyo. "Diagnosis is a critical factor of disease prevention. Our device paves the way for better access to essential diagnostic tools."

"Given two equal samples containing influenza, our system detected about 60% of the number of viruses as the fluorescence microscope. But it is much faster at doing so and more than adequate to produce good estimates for accurate diagnoses," said Dr. Minagawa. "What is really amazing is that our device is about 100 times more sensitive than a commercial rapid influenza test kit, and it is not just limited to that kind of virus. We also wish to add other biomarkers such as nucleic acids -- like DNA -- to the options of things the device can detect. This way we can maximize its usefulness to those on the front line of disease prevention, helping to save lives."

The smartphone-based virus detector was described in the July 17, 2019, online edition of the journal Lab on a Chip.

Related Links:
University of Tokyo


Gold Member
Immunochromatographic Assay
CRYPTO Cassette
Collection and Transport System
PurSafe Plus®
Sample Transportation System
Tempus1800 Necto
Capillary Blood Collection Tube
IMPROMINI M3
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








Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: New evidence shows viscoelastic testing can improve assessment of blood clotting during postpartum hemorrhage (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Viscoelastic Testing Could Improve Treatment of Maternal Hemorrhage

Postpartum hemorrhage, severe bleeding after childbirth, remains one of the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide, yet many of these deaths are preventable. Standard care can be hindered by delays... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: Automated cell imaging discriminates CD8+ T cells according to natalizumab treatment outcome in MS patients (B Chaves et al., Nat Commun 16, 5533 (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60224-3)

Novel Tool Predicts Most Effective Multiple Sclerosis Medication for Patients

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune and degenerative neurological disease that affects the central nervous system, leading to motor, cognitive, and mental impairments. Symptoms can include... Read more

Technology

view channel
Image: The SWITCH hybrid pipette is designed to simplify and accelerate pipetting tasks (Photo courtesy of INTEGRA)

Hybrid Pipette Combines Manual Control with Fast Electronic Aliquoting

Manual pipettes offer the control needed for delicate tasks such as mixing or supernatant removal, but typically fall short in repetitive workflows like aliquoting. Electronic pipettes solve this problem... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image: ELITechGroup’s unique Real-Time PCR technologies include the revolutionary Minor Groove Binder (Photo courtesy of ELITechGroup)

ELITech and Hitachi High-Tech to Develop Automated PCR Testing System for Infectious Diseases

Molecular testing has become central to diagnosing and monitoring infectious diseases by analyzing genetic information. The use of PCR during the COVID-19 pandemic showed its value, but traditional systems... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.