Aptamer-Based QCM-Sensor for Rapid Detection of PRRS Virus

Abstract

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is caused by an RNA virus and has substantial economic impact on swine industry. Screening pigs for infection is the best way to prevent spreading the disease. For that purpose, we developed biosensors based on aptamers, i.e., short ss-DNA that can bind to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). The present study, demonstrates selectivity and sensitivity of PRRSV aptamer (7R) by the means of quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) measurements. The respective results show that 7R aptamer indeed binds to samples containing around 1010 PRRSV virus particles, but not to Pseudorabies virus (PRV) and Classical swine fever virus (CSFV).

Keywords

• aptamer
• quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS)