Abstract
We developed a highly sensitive sensor, based on optical waveguide modes, which was reported in the journal, Synthesiology[1]. The first part of the present paper reports the method for reducing sensor size. Applications include identification of influenza virus A H3N2 and other subtypes of influenza viruses. We also found that sialic acid based detection using the waveguide sensor system analysis was very useful in distinguishing between H3N2 and H5N1 viruses. Using these techniques, H3N2 and H5N1 strains of influenza viruses have been successfully identified with the waveguide-mode sensor. Sensitivity comparison was also conducted for waveguide-mode sensor, immunochromatography, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Of these techniques, waveguide mode sensor showed the greatest sensitivity for the H3N2 Udorn strain. The palmtop sized, high sensitive sensor will be useful in border control against intrusion of infections, for example, in aircraft, at airports, and arenas.
