Direct and Quantitative Detection of Bacteriophage by "Hearing" Surface Detachment Using a Quartz Crystal Microbalance

Anal. Chem., 73 (16), 3935 -3939, 2001. 10.1021/ac0100897 S0003-2700(01)00089-0
Web Release Date: July 12, 2001

Direct and Quantitative Detection of Bacteriophage by "Hearing" Surface Detachment Using a Quartz Crystal Microbalance

F. N. Dultsev, R. E. Speight, M. T. Fiorini, J. M. Blackburn, C. Abell, V. P. Ostanin,* and D. Klenerman*

Department of Chemistry, Cambridge University, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, U.K., and Department of Biochemistry, Cambridge University, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1GA, U.K.

Received for review January 19, 2001. Accepted June 6, 2001.

Abstract:

We show that it is possible to detect specifically adsorbed bacteriophage directly by breaking the interactions between proteins displayed on the phage coat and ligands immobilized on the surface of a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). This is achieved through increasing the amplitude of oscillation of the QCM surface and sensitively detecting the acoustic emission produced when the bacteriophage detaches from the surface. There is no interference from nonspecifically adsorbed phage. The detection is quantitative over at least 5 orders of magnitude and is sensitive enough to detect as few as 20 phage. The method has potential as a sensitive and low-cost method for virus detection.

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