DLS-based IAV quantification protocol

This project focuses on the development and validation of Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) as a rapid and reliable method for viral particle quantification, offering an alternative to traditional virological techniques such as plaque assays and TCID50. Conventional methods, while widely used, are time-consuming and depend on cytopathic effects, which can introduce subjectivity.By measuring light scattering fluctuations from viral particles in Brownian motion, DLS enables direct, non-destructive quantification within minutes, providing a significant advantage in scenarios where infectivity is not the primary concern. In this study, Influenza A virus (IAV) supernatants were analyzed using DLS, and the resulting titers showed a strong correlation with those obtained from plaque assays (R2 = 0.9967) and TCID50 (R2 = 0.9984), confirming the method’s accuracy and reproducibility.Furthermore, DLS allows for the detection of intact viral particles, making it particularly useful for applications such as vaccine development and antiviral testing. Its minimal sample preparation requirements and adaptability to different viral strains highlight its feasibility as a routine quantification tool. However, since DLS does not differentiate between infectious and non-infectious particles, complementary infectivity assays remain necessary for comprehensive viral characterization.