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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.

We show that it is possible to detect specifically adsorbed bacteriophage directly by breaking the interactions between proteins displayed on the phage coat and ligands immobilized on the surface of a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). This is achieved through increasing the amplitude of oscillation of the QCM surface and sensitively detecting the acoustic emission produced when the bacteriophage detaches from the surface. There is no interference from nonspecifically adsorbed phage. The detection is quantitative over at least 5 orders of magnitude and is sensitive enough to detect as few as 20 phage. The method has potential as a sensitive and low-cost method for virus detection.

An instrument has been developed for measuring the force of affine interactions, in particular, in biological systems. The structure of the instrument is described. It includes a replaceable cartridge with a quartz resonator for analyzing various biosystems by measuring the signal of detachment of molecules from the resonator surface. The instrument is a sensor device with which it is possible to analyze various biological objects, including viruses and bacteria, as well as to carry out DNA identification. Software has been developed to automate the processing of results and the identification of objects. The instrument can be used to carry out express analysis in medical institutions and research laboratories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]