Metal Oxide Nanostructures Enhanced Microfluidic Platform for Efficient and Sensitive Immunofluorescence Detection of Dengue Virus

Abstract

Rapid and sensitive detection of Dengue virus remains a critical challenge in global public health. This study presents the development and evaluation of a Zinc Oxide nanorod (ZnO NR)-surface-integrated microfluidic platform for the early detection of Dengue virus. Utilizing a seed-assisted hydrothermal synthesis method high-purity ZnO NRs were synthesized characterized by their hexagonal wurtzite structure and a high surface-to-volume ratio offering abundant binding sites for bioconjugation. Further a comparative analysis demonstrated that the ZnO NR substrate outperformed traditional bare glass substrates in functionalization efficiency with 4G2 monoclonal antibody (mAb). Subsequent optimization of the functionalization process identified 4% (3-Glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) as the most effective surface modifier. The integration of this substrate within a herringbone-structured microfluidic platform resulted in a robust device for immunofluorescence detection of DENV-3. The limit of detection (LOD) for DENV-3 was observed to be as low as 3.1 ? 10?4 ng/mL highlighting the remarkable sensitivity of the ZnO NR-integrated microfluidic device. This study emphasizes the potential of ZnO NRs and the developed microfluidic platform for the early detection of DENV-3 with possible expansion to other biological targets hence paving the way for enhanced public health responses and improved disease management strategies. ? 2023 by the authors.