Zika Virus Sensor – IP 1628

Zika virus, a mosquito-bornepathogen, has been linked to occurrences of microcephaly when the virus ispassed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Currently, enzyme-linkedimmunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)are two major laboratory methods available for detecting Zika virus (ZIKV).These methods can be used to detect the virus, for example, within 3-10 days followingthe onset of symptoms. However, the ELISA test adopted for detecting Zika virushas limitations due to cross reactivity of the antibodies with other species ofthe Flavivirus genus such as, for example, dengue virus. In addition, ELISA iscumbersome for healthcare workers to carry and utilize. Because these methodsare typically carried out in laboratories only, the turn-around time forconfirmed laboratory diagnostics results can take up to days, causingsignificant delays in diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, these test methodsare unable to detect Zika virus at low detection limits, which can result inmisidentification of the viral infection at an early stage. FIU inventors have developedmethods for the detection of zika virus at low level with micro-electrochemicalZIKV immunosensors functionalized with Zika virus binding ligands such asmonoclonal Zika virus antibodies and Zika non-structural proteins. Thesemethods include contacting the immunosensing substrate with a biologicalsample, applying a frequency to the sensing device, monitoring changes inresistance response of the sensing device as Zika virus or Zika virus-infectedcells bind with their binding ligands; and finally, quantifying the amount ofZIKV by comparing the measured resistance response with a pre-determinedcalibration curve. These methods allow for a rapid (operation time around 40minutes) and selective detection of ZIKV in wide concentration range with a lowdetection limit (10 pM). Anne Laure Schmitt Olivier aschmitt@fiu.edu 305-348-5948