Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis recently developed a test that uses nanotechnology to quickly detect the Zika virus in blood.
Current Zika test requires the refrigeration of a blood sample in order to shop it to a medical center or laboratory. The recently developed test’s results can be determined in minutes and does not require refrigeration.
The technology has not yet been produced for use in a medical situation, but the researchers tested blood samples from four people who were infected with Zika and five who did not. The test did not return any false positives.
“With this test, results will be clear before the patient leaves the clinic, allowing immediate counseling and access to treatment,” Jeremiah J. Morrissey, a research professor of anesthesiology who worked on the project, said.
The test uses protein made by Zika virus attached to tiny gold nanorods mounted on paper. The paper is coated with protective nanocrystals that enable the diagnostic nanorods to be shipped and stored without refrigeration before use.
To use the test, medical professionals wash the paper with slightly acidic water to remove the nanocrystals and then apply a drop of the patient’s blood. Blood that has been infected with the Zika virus contains immunoglobulins that react with the protein.
The nanorods will change slightly in color. This change can currently only be detected with a spectrophotometer, but the researchers are working to make it visible to the naked eye.
The researchers say similar strategies may be able to be used to detect other infectious diseases.