Label-free sensitive detection of influenza virus using PZT discs with a synthetic sialylglycopolymer receptor layer

We describe rapid, label-free detection of Influenza A viruses using the first radial mode of oscillations of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) piezoelectric disks with a 2-mm radius and 100-µm thickness fabricated from a piezoelectric membrane. The disks are modified with a synthetic sialylglycopolymer receptor layer,and the coated disks are inserted in a flowing virus suspension. Label-free detection of the virus is achieved by monitoring the disk radial mode resonance frequency shift. Piezo transducers with sialylglycopolymer sensor layers exhibited a long lifetime, a high sensitivity, and the possibility of regeneration. We demonstrate positive, label-free detection of Influenza A viruses at concentrations below 10^5 virus particles per millilitre. We show that label-free, selective, sensitive detection of Influenza viruses by home appliances is possible in principle.