Recent Advances in Nanoparticle Concentration and Their Application in Viral Detection Using Integrated Sensors

Abstract

Early disease diagnostics require rapid, sensitive, and selective detection methods for target analytes. Specifically, early viral detection in a point-of-care setting is critical in preventing epidemics and the spread of disease. However, conventional methods such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays or cell cultures are cumbersome and difficult for field use due to the requirements of extensive lab equipment and highly trained personnel, as well as limited sensitivity. Recent advances in nanoparticle concentration have given rise to many novel detection methodologies, which address the shortcomings in modern clinical assays. Here, we review the primary, well-characterized methods for nanoparticle concentration in the context of viral detection via diffusion, centrifugation and microfiltration, electric and magnetic fields, and nano-microfluidics. Details of the concentration mechanisms and examples of related applications provide valuable information to design portable, integrated sensors. This study reviews a wide range of concentration techniques and compares their advantages and disadvantages with respect to viral particle detection. We conclude by highlighting selected concentration methods and devices for next-generation biosensing systems.

Capillary Sorting of Particles by Dip Coating

“…These disciplines all share a demand for scalable size-based particle separation techniques [4,5], which can be utilized for high-volume sample analysis, preparation of highly uniform suspensions, or purification [6]. Different techniques that use particle, flow, and geometry interactions have been developed to achieve separation [7,8]. A conventional method is direct filtration through a semi-permeable filter or membrane [9].…”

Biomedical Science to Tackle the COVID-19 Pandemic: Current Status and Future Perspectives

“…Although the term “nanotechnology” was introduced in the early 1960s, the first trials based on NPs for virus detection came out only two decades ago [ 165 ]. Designing tailored biosensors has shown significant relevance and many examples are currently successfully used in biotechnological applications [ 7 , 166 , 167 ]. Efficient biotechnological approaches relying on the use of nanomaterials for the detection and monitoring of emerging or re-emerging viral agents, such as West Nile virus, Hantavirus, Nipah virus, Chikungunya, Zika, a variety of influenza strains, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) coronavirus, or Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) [ 7 , 163 , 166 , 167 , 168 , 169 ] remain a key goal of current research [ 170 ].…”

“…Designing tailored biosensors has shown significant relevance and many examples are currently successfully used in biotechnological applications [ 7 , 166 , 167 ]. Efficient biotechnological approaches relying on the use of nanomaterials for the detection and monitoring of emerging or re-emerging viral agents, such as West Nile virus, Hantavirus, Nipah virus, Chikungunya, Zika, a variety of influenza strains, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) coronavirus, or Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) [ 7 , 163 , 166 , 167 , 168 , 169 ] remain a key goal of current research [ 170 ]. Most of these approaches count on metallic and magnetic NPs, functional thin layers, organic/inorganic NPs, DNA nanostructures, polymer/silica NPs, quantum dots (QDs) and carbon QDs (CQDs) of different shapes, sizes and functionalities [ 163 , 171 , 172 , 173 ].…”

Pulsatile Flow in Microfluidic Systems

“…Inert microparticles, such as those made of polystyrene, are frequently used to demonstrate particle operations including separation, concentration, and focusing . Functional micro‐ and nanoparticles, such as magnetic or bioconjugated beads, allow for more sophisticated particle manipulation via external fields or specific adsorption of target molecules to enhance bioassays . Droplets, cells, bacteria, viruses, and even large macromolecules such as DNA are all particles ranging in size from tens of nanometers to hundreds of micrometers .…”