The application of the bioelectric recognition assay for the detection of human and plant viruses: definition of operational parameters

The bioelectric recognition assay (BERA) is a novel biosensory method based on a unique combination of a group of cells, their immobilization in a mat rix that preserves their physiological functions and the expression of the cell interaction with viruses as a change in electrical properties. A BERA sensor consists of an electroconductive, tube-like probe containing compone nts of immobilized cells in a gel matrix. Cells are selected to specificall y interact with the virus under detection. In this way, when a positive sam ple is added to the probe, a characteristic, 'signature-like' change in ele ctrical potential occurs upon contact between the virus and the gel matrix. In the present study, we demonstrate that BERA can be used for the detecti on of viruses in humans (hepatitis C virus) and plants (tobacco and cucumbe r viruses) in a remarkably specific, rapid (1-2 min), reproducible and cost -efficient fashion. The sensitivity of the virus detection with BERA (0.1 n g) is equal or even better than with advanced immunological, cytological an d molecular techniques, such as the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Moreover, a good storability of the sensors can be achieved witho ut affecting their performance. The potential use of portable BERA biosenso rs in medicine, for mass screening purposes, as well as for the detection o f biological warfare agents without prior knowledge of a specific receptor- molecule interaction is discussed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All right s reserved.