Electrochemical Detection of Airborne Influenza Virus Using Air Sampling System

Abstract

Sampling and pre-detecting infectious diseases are effective ways of preventing them from widely spreading. Among the conventionally used sampling methods, cyclone-based air sampling is considered the simplest and most effective. In this study, we developed a new cyclone-type air sampler device by modifying the size and shape of a commercially available product, Coriolis mu (Bertin Technology). The newly built air sampler's collection efficiency was measured using polystyrene particles by comparing the amounts before and after sampling. Additionally, to test the feasibility of sampling airborne viruses, recombinant influenza virus antigen (H1N1) was injected into the custom-built air chamber where the air sampler's inlet was connected so that the antigen was collected through the sampling process. The solution was measured using a custom-made electrochemical platform that consisted of antibody conjugated Au electrodes on printed circuit board (PCB) and a small size reading system. Our findings showed that the influenza antigen was collected with good efficiency as well as detected with high sensitivity.