Ultrasensitive and Visible Detection of Influenza A Virus Based on Enzymatic Properties of Layered Gold Nanoparticles

Considering the urgent demand for reliable and rapid detection of infectious respiratory viruses during unpredictable pandemics, an innovative ultrasensitive colorimetric immunoassay for influenza A (H1N1) virus detection is developed herein. The proposed approach leverages dual amplification by combining layer-by-layer interactions with the nanozyme effect of biotinylated gold nanoparticles (BGNPs). BGNPs assemble around the target via repeated incubation cycles under optimized conditions, resulting in a layered structure that increases optical density, producing a more intense signal proportional to the viral titer. Additionally, the nanozyme effect of the layered BGNPs induces oxidation of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine, which further enhances the visible signal detectable by the naked eye. This synergetic nanoprobe-based system demonstrates remarkable sensitivity, with a limit of detection of 101.29 EID50 mL-1, which is 2500-fold higher than that of commercial rapid kits and conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, within a rapid 55 min timeframe. Furthermore, the anti-interference capability and portability of the developed system reinforce its practicality, making it a promising tool for field diagnostic tests that offers advanced, ultrasensitive, and early detection of respiratory viruses. An ultrasensitive and visible detection for influenza A virus is presented by leveraging the properties of gold nanoparticles (GNPs). Dual amplification, achieved through a synthetic nanoprobe utilizing the enzymatic properties of layered GNPs, exhibits a higher sensitivity. This system is suitable for point-of-care tests within 55 min by verifying its diagnostic potential using highly portable devices. image (c) 2024 WILEY-VCH GmbH