Digital plasmonic nanobubble detection for rapid and ultrasensitive virus diagnostics

This paper introduces a novel strategy, Digital plasMONic nanobubble Detection (DIAMOND), for rapid and ultrasensitive virus diagnostics. Utilizing gold nanoparticles as labels and an optofluidic setup, DIAMOND achieves compartment-free digital counting in homogeneous immunoassays without requiring separation or amplification steps. The method successfully detected respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in nasal swab samples with a detection limit of ~100 PFU/mL, comparable to digital isothermal amplification techniques. DIAMOND's advantages include one-step single-nanoparticle detection, direct sensing of intact viruses at room temperature, and minimal liquid handling, making it a promising platform for rapid and sensitive diagnostics.

Yaning Liu, Haihang Ye, Hoang Dinh Huynh, Chen Xie, Peiyuan Kang, Jeffrey S. Kahn, Zhenpeng Qin