Nanopore sensors for viral particle quantification: current progress and future prospects

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology and Biosensing
• Nanotechnology for Diagnostics
• Virology and Pathogen Detection

Background:

• Classical viral diagnostic methods (PCR, ELISA) are laboratory-bound, costly, and time-consuming, hindering rapid pandemic response.
• The need for swift, accessible, and field-deployable viral detection is paramount for effective public health management.
• Nanopore sensing offers a promising alternative for single-molecule analysis of biological targets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the limitations of traditional virus detection methods in point-of-need (PoN) monitoring.
• To provide a comprehensive overview of nanopore sensing technology for virus detection and classification.
• To highlight recent advancements and future directions in nanopore-based biosensor development for pathogen surveillance.

Main Methods:

• Tracing ionic current changes as target molecules pass through nano-scale pores.
• Discriminating individual virus particles based on their unique ionic current signatures.
• Reviewing literature on nanopore sensing integrated with microfluidics, microfabrication, and artificial intelligence.

Main Results:

• Nanopore sensors can identify and classify virus particles at the single-molecule level.
• This technology enables real-time, low-cost point-of-care (PoC) and point-of-need (PoN) virus monitoring.
• Integration with microfluidics and AI enhances sensitivity and portability for next-generation biosensors.

Conclusions:

• Nanopore sensing presents a significant advancement over traditional methods for rapid viral diagnostics.
• The technology facilitates sensitive recognition and classification of viruses and emerging pathogens.
• Future developments promise portable, low-cost biosensors for effective global health security.