ARS | Publication request: Detection of viruses: atomic force microscopy and surface enhanced raman spectroscopy

Submitted to: Developments in Biologicals
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: June 1, 2006
Publication Date: December 1, 2006
Citation: Porter, M.D., Driskell, J.D., Kwarta, K.M., Lipert, R.J., Neill, J.D., Ridpath, J.F. 2006. Detection of viruses: atomic force microscopy and surface enhanced raman spectroscopy. In: Vannier, P., Espeseth, D., editors. Developments in Biologicals. Proceedings of International Association for Biologicals. New Diagnostic technology: applications in animal health and biologics controls, October 3-5, 2005, Saint-Malo, France. Basel: Karger. 126:31-39.

Technical Abstract: This paper demonstrated the capability of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to function effectively as ultra-sensitive readout tools for chip-scale platforms designed for pathogen detection in complex biological media. AFM allows direct (i.e. label-free) visualization and quantification of nanometer-sized viruses captured on a smooth, selective surface. AFM readout led to optimization of a capture substrate for feline calicivirus (FCV), and yielded a limit of detection of 3 x 10**6 FCV/ml. SERS-based detection of FCV, carried out in a sandwich-type assay, requires labeling of the substrate-bound FCV with a selective extrinsic Raman label (ERL). These studies yielded a limit of detection of 1 x 10**6 FCV/mL.