Specific immobilization of influenza A virus on GaAs (001) surface

Abstract

In the quest for the development of an all-optical biosensor for rapid detection and typing of viral pathogens, we investigate biosensing architectures that take advantage of strong photoluminescence emission from III-V quantum semiconductors (QS). One of the key elements in the development of such a biosensor is the ability to attach various analytes to GaAs-a material of choice for capping III-V QS of our interest. We report on the study of biofunctionalization of GaAs (001) with polyethylene-glycol (PEG) thiols and the successful immobilization of influenza A virus. A diluted solution of biotinylated PEG thiols in OH-terminated PEG thiols is used to form a network of sites for the attachment of neutravidin. Biotinylated polyclonal influenza A antibodies are applied to investigate the process of the immobilization of inactivated influenza A virus. The successful immobilization is demonstrated using atomic force microscopy and fluorescence microscopy measurements. © 2009 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.