The first integrated multimodal assay for the ultrasensitive detection of dengue contamination of blood (2012-2015)

For the first time we will develop an ultrasensitive system that will simultaneously detect validated nucleic acid, protein & serological biomarkers of dengue in a single assay format suitable for the screening of blood. Isothermally-amplified viral nucleic acid, NS1 antigen & IgM antibodies will be captured & concentrated using magnetic nanoparticles functionalised with state-of-the-art polymer chemistry which reduces non-specific binding. The captured dengue markers will then be probed with individually-tagged fluorescent beads in a format amenable to automation & therefore suitable for blood bank application.