Ultrasensitive Detection of Cymbidium Mosaic Potexvirus Using a Single-Wall Carbon Nanotube-Functionalized Quartz Crystal Microbalance

• Published in: Japanese Journal of Applied Physics 2010-10, Vol.49 (10), p.105103-105103-5
• Main Authors: Chen, Yu-Shiun, Hung, Yao-Ching, Chiou, Jin-Chern, Wang, Hui-Liang, Huang, Hung-Shu, Huang, Li-Chia, Huang, Guewha Steven
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0021-4922; 1347-4065
• DOI: 10.1143/JJAP.49.105103

We have developed an ultrasensitive, convenient, real-time platform for detecting Cymbidium mosaic potexvirus (CymMV) based on single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT)-functionalized quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensors. Functionalization was achieved by coating the QCM electrode with SWNTs, followed by 1,1$'$-carbonyldiimidazole-activated Tween 20 (CDI--Tween 20) modification and conjugation of antibodies. Sensitivity was enhanced from 2.18 to 11.5 Hz ng -1 when 0.1 \mbox{$\mu$}g mL -1 CymMV was applied. The low limit of detection of SWNT-functionalized QCM sensors was improved from 2.08 to 0.502 ng. The SWNT-functionalized QCM sensor was successfully used to quantify the amount of CymMV contained in infected orchid leaves. Compared to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), SWNT-functionalized QCM sensors are fast, economical, and ultra-sensitive, with comparable sensitivities. The current study demonstrates the application of QCM sensors as a convenient platform to detect and quantify CymMV.