Naked-eye counting of pathogenic viruses by phage-gold nanobiomaterials as probes

Early and sensitive detection of avian influenza virus (AIV) such as H9N2 is needed as AIV threatens human health and the food industry. Here, we developed an ultrasensitive and naked-eye counting strategy for quantifying AIV by two probes. One probe was a complex of M13 phage and gold nanoparticles (GNPs) modified with antiphage and anti-AIV antibody. The other probe was magnetic nanoparticles modified with the same anti-AIV antibody. The two...