Photonic Crystal Enhanced Fluorescence with DNA-based Nano-gripper for Ultrasensitive Intact Viral Pathogen Biosensing

Yanyu Xiong, Lifeng Zhou, Laura Cooper, Mengxi Zheng, Skye Shepherd, Abhisek Dwivedy, Tingjie Song, Wei Hong, Xin Chen, Shengyan Liu, Linh T.P. Le, Saurabh Umrao, Lijun Rong, Tong Wang, Xing Wang, Brian T. Cunningham

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

We introduce a novel biosensing approach that utilizes photonic crystal-enhanced fluorescence technology integrated with a bioinspired DNA origami NanoGripper, selectively generating a fluorescent signal only upon detecting intact viral pathogens. Using intact SARS-CoV-2 as a representative example of a respiratory virus, this method demonstrates rapid, ultrasensitive, and highly selective biosensing. Photonic crystals (PC), serving as dielectric microcavities, provide substantial local field enhancement, far-field directional emission, large Purcell factors, and high quantum efficiency. These novel origami probes are coupled with a Photonic Crystal Enhanced Fluorescence Microscope, achieving a 10,000-fold signal enhancement compared to traditional single fluorophore reporters on glass substrates. Unlike surface-based ELISA assays, the capture reaction between the NanoGripper and the SARS-CoV-2 virus occurs in solution, reaching equilibrium within 10 minutes. After mixing, the mixture is pulled down to the PC surface for signal enhancement and direct counting. With virtually zero off-target signals, we achieve a limit of detection (LoD) of 100 viral genome copies per mL in human saliva, enabling ultra-high detection sensitivity.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationNanoscale Imaging, Sensing, and Actuation for Biomedical Applications XXII
EditorsDror Fixler, Sebastian Wachsmann-Hogiu
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510684188
DOIs
StatePublished - 2025
EventNanoscale Imaging, Sensing, and Actuation for Biomedical Applications XXII 2025 - San Francisco, United States
Duration: Jan 26 2025Jan 28 2025

Publication series

NameProgress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging - Proceedings of SPIE
Volume13335
ISSN (Print)1605-7422

Conference

ConferenceNanoscale Imaging, Sensing, and Actuation for Biomedical Applications XXII 2025
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco
Period1/26/251/28/25

Keywords

  • Biosensing
  • DNA-origami
  • Enhanced Fluorescence
  • Photonic Crystal

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
  • Biomaterials
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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