Latex immunoagglutination assay for bovine viral diarrhea virus utilizing forward light scattering in a microfluidic device

We have investigated the utilization of particle agglutination assays using forward light scattering measurements in a microfluidic device towards detecting viral particles. The model viral target was bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). Highly carboxylated polystyrene microspheres (510 nm) were coated with anti-BVDV monoclonal antibodies. This solution was in turn used to detect live modified BVDV. This assay was first performed in a two well slide for proof of concept and then in a simple y-channel microfluidic device with optical fibers arranged in a close proximity setup. Particle immunoagglutination was detected through static light scattering measurements taken at 45 degrees to incident light. In the microfluidic device, modified live BVDV was detected with a detection limit of 0.5 TCID50 mL(-1).