Integrated optic immunoassay for virus detection

An integrated optic refractometer device was developed to perform a rapid one-step, label-free immunoassay. The device measures refractive index changes at the surface of a planar waveguide using interferometry. Antibodies were applied to the waveguide surface to provide a bioselective coating for detecting and quantifying a specific antigen of interest. The detection limit of this biosensor was determined for adenovirus as a model for other viral analytes of military, medical, and environmental interest. As binding of the antigen occurred on the sensor surface, a time-dependent phase shift of the helium-neon laser light beam was detected and was measured over a 10-minute time period. Adenovirus was detected at levels of 250 - 2500 viral particles/ml. This detection limit was obtained for a mono-layer of antibody attached to the sensor. Use of a high-density, multi-layer antibody coating approach resulted in improved detection limits for bacteria and protein analytes of general interest.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.