Using aggregation-induced emission substances for "visualization of viruses" and "high-sensitivity rapid diagnosis."

Virus and pathogen detection, visualization, high-sensitivity detection, immediate clinical diagnosis (POCT), fluorescence, aggregation-induced emission (AIE), sialic acid, glycan.

Viruses are extremely small and colorless, so it is impossible to tell with the naked eye whether they are present or not. We have developed a molecule that emits light when exposed to ultraviolet radiation five minutes after being mixed with a sample, indicating the presence of the viruses we want to investigate. This molecule does not emit light when the target virus is absent or when there are non-target viruses present, allowing for the "visualization" of the viruses and microorganisms we wish to examine. In tests for detecting the influenza virus using this molecule, it has been found to have a sensitivity that is 1,000 times higher than commercially available immunochromatography kits. Additionally, we have successfully developed highly bright fluorescent beads with a quantum yield of up to 90%. These beads not only shine several times brighter than conventional fluorescent dye-based beads but also possess stability against light, making them highly practical. By attaching antibodies to these high-brightness fluorescent beads, we can expect increased sensitivity when used as labeled antibodies in immunochromatography kits or as markers for lesions. We have prototyped an immunochromatography kit for the novel coronavirus and found that it can achieve significantly higher sensitivity compared to existing products. This technology can also be applied to the detection of other viruses and pathogens.

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