Use of a thin film biosensor for rapid visual detection of PCR products ina multiplex format

Rapid, sensitive assays for nucleic acid amplification products have utilit y for the identification of bacterial or viral infections. We have develope d a nucleic acid hybridization assay utilizing thin film technology that pe rmits visual detection of hybrids. The silicon-based biosensor detects the presence of target sequences by enzymatically transducing the formation of nucleic acid hybrids into molecular thin films. These films alter the inter ference pattern of light on the biosensor surface, producing a perceived co lor change. We have applied this technology to the development of a chip co ntaining capture probes specific for human respiratory virus sequences incl uding respiratory syncytial virus, influenza virus A and B, parainfluenza v irus types 1 and 3, and rhinovirus. In a ten-minute assay, the biosensor pe rmits unambiguous identification of viral-specific RT/PCR products from inf ected cell lysates. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.