Quick and ultra-sensitive digital assay of influenza virus using sub-picoliter microwells

Quick and sensitive virus detection methods have been developed using sub-picoliter microwells. One method uses an aggregation-induced emission (AIE) reagent, and the other uses an enzymatic reaction supported with immunomagnetic beads at a high concentration of 10⁸ particles/mL. Examination of influenza A virus detection using the AIE reagent exhibited a detection limit of 3 × 10⁵ copies/mL, which was achievable within 1 min of the total measurement time. The high-concentration immunomagnetic beads method exhibited a detection limit as low as 1 × 10² copies/mL. The developed methods are effective and practical tools for ultrafast and ultrasensitive virus detection.