[Use of atomic force microscopy for detecting intestinal viruses]

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Microbiology
• Biophysics

Context:

• Accurate virus identification is crucial for water quality assessment.
• Traditional methods can be time-consuming and require sample preparation.
• Atomic force microscopy (AFM) offers high-resolution surface imaging capabilities.

Purpose:

• To demonstrate the feasibility of using AFM for virus visualization and identification in water.
• To characterize the morphological features (shape and size) of different viruses.
• To develop automated software for rapid analysis of AFM virus images.

Summary:

• Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was employed to visualize and identify poliovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus in water samples.
• High-quality AFM images revealed distinct morphological characteristics, enabling differentiation based on size and shape.
• Measurements of typical sizes (half-height diameter, mean height) were obtained for viruses adsorbed onto unspecific substrates.
• Custom software was developed to automate virus identification, significantly accelerating the analysis workflow.

Impact:

• Establishes AFM as a viable tool for direct virus detection and identification in environmental samples.
• Provides a foundation for developing rapid, high-resolution methods for waterborne pathogen monitoring.
• The automated software enhances efficiency in virological analysis, potentially improving public health surveillance.