American researchers have developed a new diagnostic method using gold nanoparticles to identify flu viruses with speed and reliability. This breakthrough could be a game-changer during influenza outbreaks, where rapid and accurate diagnosis is crucial for managing the spread of the virus.

A Dual Problem Solved

Until now, healthcare professionals had to choose between two diagnostic methods: one that was accurate but time-consuming and another that was fast but often unreliable. The new test, developed by researchers at the University of Georgia, combines the best of both worlds—speed and accuracy.

Published in the journal Analyst, the method involves coating gold nanoparticles with antibodies that specifically bind to influenza virus strains. The level of light scattering by the nanoparticles is then measured using a laser. This innovative technique can identify the type of flu virus within minutes.

The Science Behind It

“We’ve long known that antibodies can capture viruses and that nanoparticles’ properties vary with their size,” explained Ralph Tripp, a virologist and co-author of the study. “By combining these two principles, we’ve developed a fast and highly sensitive diagnostic test.”

Tripp and his colleague Jeremy Driskell created a complex by linking antibodies (immune system proteins) to gold nanoparticles. When the sample contains the virus, the nanoparticle-antibody complex binds to it. A commercially available instrument then measures how the solution scatters light.

Gold nanoparticles—about one-tenth the diameter of a human hair—are exceptionally efficient at scattering light, whereas biological materials like viruses scatter very little. By detecting predictable patterns of light scattering that vary depending on the virus type, the test achieves a high level of sensitivity.

Affordable and Accessible

One of the method’s most significant advantages is its cost-effectiveness. The test requires only a tiny amount of gold, making it not just quick but also inexpensive. It’s simple enough to be performed in small laboratories, broadening its potential reach.

Broader Applications

The researchers are optimistic that this new diagnostic approach could extend beyond influenza. The method’s versatility lies in its ability to replace influenza antibodies with antibodies for other infectious diseases on the gold nanoparticle surface.

As Tripp and his team refine the technology, this innovative diagnostic method holds the promise of revolutionizing the detection of a wide range of infectious diseases, providing a faster and more effective response to outbreaks.

Source: Origo

 

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