ViriChip enhances reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in biological fluids and environmental samples

Solid-phase assay for the detection of varicella zoster virus

Aims: ViriChip™ is a novel bionanotechnologic resource that couples atomic-force microscopy with the high-affinity solid-phase capture of viral particles. In this work, it was used for the detection of the varicella zoster virus (VZV). Materials & methods: ViriChip was used for VZV detection. PCR, quantitative real-time PCR and electron microscopy were also used to determine the sensitivity and effectiveness of the method. Results: VZV binding was found to be linear at concentrations between 102 and 105 viral particles/µl of an applied sample and the virus was identified by its distinct morphology, shape and size uniformity. The identity of the VZV was verified by direct visualization using electron microscopy, fluorescent imaging with labeled VZV antibodies, PCR and quantitative PCR. Immunocapture was antibody specific, with a sensitivity of 102 viral particles/µl. Conclusion: The ViriChip method allows the detection and visualization of VZV, as well as the recovery of viral particles without inducing morphological damage, constituting a new and promising tool in the field of virology for the quick and precise detection of a clinically important virus.

AFM of biological complexes: what can we learn?

The term "biological complexes" broadly encompasses particles as diverse as multisubunit enzymes, viral capsids, transport cages, molecular nets, ribosomes, nucleosomes, biological membrane components and amyloids. The complexes represent a broad range of stability and composition. Atomic force microscopy offers a wealth of structural and functional data about such assemblies. For this review, we choose to comment on the significance of AFM to study various aspects of biology of selected nonmembrane protein assemblies. Such particles are large enough to reveal many structural details under the AFM probe. Importantly, the specific advantages of the method allow for gathering dynamic information about their formation, stability or allosteric structural changes critical for their function. Some of them have already found their way to nanomedical or nanotechnological applications. Here we present examples of studies where the AFM provided pioneering information about the biology of complexes, and examples of studies where the simplicity of the method is used toward the development of potential diagnostic applications.

Nanoscale tools for rapid and sensitive diagnosis of viruses

Viral infections are among the most common cause for presentation for medical care, but it remains difficult to obtain a specific diagnosis of viral infection. There is an urgent requirement for rapid, sensitive, specific and economical methods of virus detection. Recent developments in the field of nanotechnology have begun to impact the diagnostic arena. Nanoscale tools have been applied to the experimental detection of viruses with great promise. This article reviews recent studies in the use of nanotechnology for rapid diagnosis of viruses and discusses future developments in this area.