Quantum dot-based fluoroassays for Zika

Abstract Zika virus (ZIKV) infection has been declared a public health emergency due to its associations with severe disorders in newborns and adults. The detection of ZIKV and its associated biomolecules is challenging and has been stimulating the search for new methods that can offer greater sensitivity, specificity, and practicality, among other advantages. Quantum dots (QDs), fluorescent semiconductor nanocrystals, can be useful in the development of innovative (bio)detection assays for Zika. QDs have high brightness, resistance to photodegradation, and versatility for conjugations with biological molecules or other nanoparticles, which can also enhance/complement the QDs properties. Thus the first part of this chapter covers a brief introduction to the characteristics, advantages, and potentialities of QDs associated with biosensing. Then, in the second part, studies involving QD-based assays for the detection of the ZIKV ribonucleic acid (RNA) or nonstructural NS1 protein, as well as anti-ZIKV envelope E protein immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies, are described.