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

Download Mobile App




Metal-Enhanced Fluorescence-Based LFI Platform Detects Influenza A Virus in 20 Minutes

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 08 Nov 2023

Throughout history, as evidenced by the influenza epidemic during World War I, the MERS-CoV outbreak in the 2010s, and the recent COVID-19 pandemic, it has become clear that viral respiratory diseases emerge recurrently. More...

Factors like dense populations, close interactions during travel, and enhanced global connectivity have all contributed to the faster spread of these infections. For the prompt management and containment of such outbreaks, there is a critical need for rapid diagnostic methods that can quickly detect the presence of viruses, which allows for timely isolation and treatment of affected individuals. Fluorescence-based lateral flow immunoassay (LFI) methods have gained popularity as a rapid viral detection mechanism. They rely on the emission of light from specific molecules when they come into contact with viral particles. However, this method has its limitations, particularly related to sensitivity to detect the presence of viruses.

To address the limitations of existing rapid tests, scientists at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST, Gwangju, South Korea) have enhanced the capabilities of fluorescence-based LFIs with the introduction of gold nanorod (GNR)-enabled probes. The team engineered probes with a layered core–shell structure called Cy5-mSiO2@GNR, composed of a central GNR core, a mesoporous silica (mSiO2) outer shell, and the fluorescent dye cyanine 5 (Cy5). This novel design counters the usual drawbacks of fluorescence-based LFI such as the quick fading of fluorescent signals and low light emission efficiency through metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF).

The research team thoroughly analyzed these Cy5-mSiO2@GNR probes, testing their fluorescence in response to different shell thicknesses around the GNR. They identified an optimal thickness of the silica shell at 10.3 nm, setting this as the standard for achieving the most effective enhancement in fluorescence. Utilizing this MEF technique, the researchers successfully demonstrated the use of their optimized probes in an LFI setup for detecting the influenza A virus (IAV).

With the enhanced fluorescence provided by the MEF approach, the LFI system could identify IAV at very low virus concentrations, detecting the virus in as little as 20 minutes. It proved highly specific, able to differentiate IAV even amidst other viruses such as MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, responsible for COVID-19. Furthermore, the system showed exceptional accuracy, over 99%, when identifying IAV in samples taken from patients. This improved Cy5-mSiO2@GNR-based LFI platform presents a significant advancement for point-of-care diagnostics, offering a robust solution for the early and accurate detection of IAV, among other viruses, especially in emergency situations.

“The findings of this research can not only transform rapid testing in healthcare, but its scope can be also extended to other forms of biomolecule diagnostics, with the ultimate goal of improving people’s quality of life,” said Professor Min-Gon Kim from the Department of Chemistry at GIST who led the research.

Related Links:
GIST 


New
Gold Member
Quality Control Material
iPLEX Pro Exome QC Panel
Serological Pipet Controller
PIPETBOY GENIUS
New
Integrated Biochemical & Immunological System
Biolumi CX8
New
Gold Member
Blood Gas Analyzer
Stat Profile pHOx
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
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.