Sensitive detection of Epstein–Barr virus-derived latent membrane protein 1 based on CdTe quantum dots-capped silica nanoparticle labels

Nanobased Platforms for Diagnosis and Treatment of COVID-19: From Benchtop to Bedside

Human respiratory viral infections are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. Among the various respiratory viruses, coronaviruses (e.g., SARS-CoV-2) have created the greatest challenge and most frightening health threat worldwide. Human coronaviruses typically infect the upper respiratory tract, causing illnesses that range from common cold-like symptoms to severe acute respiratory infections. Several promising vaccine formulations have become available since the beginning of 2021. Nevertheless, achievement of herd immunity is still far from being realized. Social distancing remains the only effective measure against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Nanobiotechnology enables the design of nanobiosensors. These nanomedical diagnostic devices have opened new vistas for early detection of viral infections. The present review outlines recent research on the effectiveness of nanoplatforms as diagnostic and antiviral tools against coronaviruses. The biological properties of coronavirus and infected host organs are discussed. The challenges and limitations encountered in combating SARS-CoV-2 are highlighted. Potential nanodevices such as nanosensors, nanobased vaccines, and smart nanomedicines are subsequently presented for combating current and future mutated versions of coronaviruses.

Nanomaterial-based biosensors for detection of pathogenic virus

Viruses are real menace to human safety that cause devastating viral disease. The high prevalence of these diseases is due to improper detecting tools. Therefore, there is a remarkable demand to identify viruses in a fast, selective and accurate way. Several biosensors have been designed and commercialized for detection of pathogenic viruses. However, they present many challenges. Nanotechnology overcomes these challenges and performs direct detection of molecular targets in real time. In this overview, studies concerning nanotechnology-based biosensors for pathogenic virus detection have been summarized, paying special attention to biosensors based on graphene oxide, silica, carbon nanotubes, gold, silver, zinc oxide and magnetic nanoparticles, which could pave the way to detect viral diseases and provide healthy life for infected patients.

Application of semiconductor quantum dots in bioimaging and biosensing

In this review we present new concepts and recent progress in the application of semiconductor quantum dots (QD) as labels in two important areas of biology, bioimaging and biosensing.

Advances in nanomaterials and their applications in point of care (POC) devices for the diagnosis of infectious diseases

Nanotechnology has gained much attention over the last decades, as it offers unique opportunities for the advancement of the next generation of sensing tools. Point-of-care (POC) devices for the selective detection of biomolecules using engineered nanoparticles have become a main research thrust in the diagnostic field. This review presents an overview on how the POC-associated nanotechnology, currently applied for the identification of nucleic acids, proteins and antibodies, might be further exploited for the detection of infectious pathogens: although still premature, future integrations of nanoparticles with biological markers that target specific microorganisms will enable timely therapeutic intervention against life-threatening infectious diseases.

Quantum dot labelling of adenovirus allows highly sensitive single cell flow and imaging cytometry

A quantum dot method for highly efficient labelling of single adenoviral particles is developed. The technique has no impact on viral fitness and allows the imaging and tracking of virus binding and internalisation events using a variety of techniques including imaging cytometry and confocal microscopy. The method is applied to characterise the tropism of different adenoviral vectors.

Simultaneous fluoroimmunoassay of two tumor markers based on CdTe quantum dots and gold nanocluster coated-silica nanospheres as labels

Fluoroimmunoassay for simultaneous detection of CEA and AFP.

CdTe Quantum Dots Embedded in Multidentate Biopolymer Based on Salep: Characterization and Optical Properties

This paper describes a novel method for surface modification of water soluble CdTe quantum dots (QDs) by using poly(acrylic acid) grafted onto salep (salep-g-PAA) as a biopolymer. As-prepared CdTe-salep-g-PAA QDs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The absorption and fluorescence emission spectra were measured to investigate the effect of salep-g-PAA biopolymer on the optical properties of CdTe QDs. The results showed that the optical properties of CdTe QDs were significantly enhanced by using salep-g-PAA-based biopolymer.

New approaches in microbial pathogen detection

Viruses are common causes of foodborne outbreaks. Viral diseases have low fatality rates but transmission to humans via food is important due to the high probability of consuming fecally contaminated food or water because of poor food handling. Because of the low infectious doses of some foodborne viruses, there is a need for standardization and the development of new sensitive methods for detecting viruses. The focus is on molecular and non-molecular approaches, and emerging methods for the detection of foodborne viruses. The detection of noroviruses, hepatitis A and E viruses, rotaviruses and adenoviruses will be discussed. The chapter will conclude with insights into future research directions.

Optical properties of water-soluble CdTe quantum dots passivated by a biopolymer based on poly((2-dimethylaminoethyl) methacrylate) grafted onto κ-carrageenan

Poly ((2-dimethylaminoethyl) methacrylate) grafted onto κ-carrageenan (κC-g-PDMA) as a biopolymer was synthesized and applied for surface modification of water-soluble CdTe quantum dots (QDs). The effects of DMA concentration, molar ratio of κC-g-PDMA/CdTe, reaction temperature and time on optical properties of CdTe QDs were investigated via fluorescent (FL) and UV- visible spectra. The results showed that the κC-g-PDMA significantly affects the optical properties of CdTe QDs. The obtained samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FT-IR), thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The antibacterial activity, antifungal assays, and cytotoxicity of modified QDs were examined, and a good biocompatibility was observed.