Applications of gold nanoparticles in virus detection

Draz, Mohamed Shehata; Shafiee, Hadi

A novel immunoassay based on AuNPs coupled with a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technique has been developed for the detection of RVFV capsid antigen [49] . In this assay, AuNPs are applied as both immobilization scaffolds for the target-capturing antibodies and metal promoters to enhance the Raman reporter dyes. The target antigen is first captured by antibody-magnetic particle conjugates and then labeled with dye/antibody-AuNP conjugates, forming a three-component immunocomplex that is magnetically concentrated and finally detected by SERS (Fig. 4B) . This approach has shown an outstanding sensitivity level down to 5 fg/mL of the target antigen. This high sensitivity with the possibility for the direct detection of RVFV in complex media or samples allowed by magnetic particles support the application of this assay for the rapid and sensitive detection of RVFV and the control of any future outbreaks.