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Lookup NU author(s): Amy Dann, Dr Jake McClementsORCiD, Dr Shayan SeyedinORCiD, Professor Mark GeogheganORCiD, Professor Marloes Peeters
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
BackgroundNorovirus is the leading cause of viral gastroenteritis worldwide, contributing to widespread disease and financial burdens. However, current testing methods are unsuitable for on-site analysis, as they typically use biological receptors, require specialized reagents, and skilled technicians. Proactive on-site testing of high-risk food samples is essential to prevent outbreaks, requiring the development of innovative sensor systems.ResultsWe have developed a thermal sensor capable of selectively detecting two recurrent norovirus genotypes, GI.1 and GII.4, within a model food matrix. The sensor uses epitope-imprinted polymer nanoparticles (nanoMIPs) designed from a 10-amino-acid sequence derived from the conserved P1 region of the GI.1 viral capsid. The nanoMIPs demonstrated favorable detection capability to norovirus GI.1 and GII.4 virus-like particles in buffer solutions, achieving detection limits of 1.53 and 2.28 pg/mL, respectively. The selectivity of the nanoMIPs was evaluated against a panel of similar viruses, including murine norovirus, Tulane virus, and bacteriophage MS2, each of which showed a reduced signal. Notably, the sensor achieved rapid detection (30 min) of norovirus GI.1 and GII.4 virus-like particles in contamination prone spinach samples while maintaining comparable detection limits (2.19 pg/mL and 2.69 pg/mL) to spiked buffer solutions.SignificanceThe combination of rapid detection time, dual strain recognition, and simple sample preparation makes this thermal sensor a promising tool for on-site testing in food safety and public health settings. Furthermore, the ability to detect multiple strains using a single ligand represents a significant advantage, enabling the development of straightforward systems capable of detecting various strains in complex environments.
Author(s): Dann A, Singla P, McClements J, Kim M, Stoufer S, Crapnell RD, Banks CE, Seyedin S, Geoghegan M, Blanford CF, Moore MD, Peeters M
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Analytica Chimica Acta
Year: 2025
Volume: 1368
Print publication date: 22/09/2025
Online publication date: 18/06/2025
Acceptance date: 12/06/2025
Date deposited: 02/03/2026
ISSN (print): 0003-2670
ISSN (electronic): 1873-4324
Publisher: Elsevier BV
URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aca.2025.344331
DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2025.344331
Data Access Statement: Data will be made available on request.
Notes: Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP), Biomimetic sensor, Foodborne illness, Epitope imprinting, NorovirusHeat transfer method (HTM)
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