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Direct and sensitive detection of a human virus by rupture event scanning

Nature Biotechnology volume 19, pages 833–837 (2001)Cite this article

Abstract

We have developed a sensitive, economical method that directly detects viruses by making use of the interaction between type 1 herpes simplex virus (HSV1) and specific antibodies covalently attached to the oscillating surface of a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). The virions were detached from the surface by monotonously increasing the amplitude of oscillation of the QCM, while using the QCM to sensitively detect the acoustic noise produced when the interactions were broken. We term this process rupture event scanning (REVS). The method is quantitative over at least six orders of magnitude, and its sensitivity approaches detection of a single virus particle.

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Figure 1: Representation of the REVS experiment.
Figure 2: Specific detection of HSV1.
Figure 3: Signal linearity with particle numbers.
Figure 4: Detection of HSV1 in serum.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC; Swindon, UK) and the Wellcome Trust for financial support, Dr. Jack Klinowski for providing laboratory space, and Suzie Bell, Dr. Jane Arthur, and Dr. Vivienne Connor for HSV1 stocks and infectivity assays.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, United Kingdom

    Matthew A. Cooper, Fedor N. Dultsev, Victor P. Ostanin, Chris Abell & David Klenerman

  2. Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Rd., CB2 1QP, United Kingdom

    Tony Minson

Authors
  1. Matthew A. Cooper
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  2. Fedor N. Dultsev
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  3. Tony Minson
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  4. Victor P. Ostanin
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  5. Chris Abell
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  6. David Klenerman
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Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Matthew A. Cooper or David Klenerman.

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Cooper, M., Dultsev, F., Minson, T. et al. Direct and sensitive detection of a human virus by rupture event scanning. Nat Biotechnol 19, 833–837 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt0901-833

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