Nanoparticle-based lateral flow biosensor for visual detection of fish nervous necrosis virus amplification products

Lateral flow paper biosensors are an attractive analytical platform for detection of human and veterinary disease pathogens because they are optimal for accurate, rapid and sensitive analysis in research laboratory setups, as well as field analysis. Since diseases of viral etiology have been wreaking havoc in aquaculture industry, as well as the environment, the present study aims at the development of a gold nanoparticle-based biosensor for fish nervous necrosis virus (Nodavirus) nucleic acids detection. Total viral RNA, isolated from fish samples was subjected to reverse transcription PCR amplification. The PCR products were mixed with a specific oligonucleotide probe and applied next to oligonucleotide conjugated Au NPs. A red test line was formed when nodavirus product was present. The visual detection of the RT-PCR product was completed within 20 min. Following optimization, the biosensor was able to visually detect 270 pg of nodavirus initial total RNA. The present study describes a simple, accurate, robust and low cost method for nodavirus detection in biological samples. Apart contribution on basic research, the proposed biosensor offers great potential for commercial kit development for use on the site of fish culture by fish farmers. This fact will have great impact on environmental safety and disease monitoring without time consuming and costly procedures.