Hybrid Nanocluster Plasmonic Resonator for Immunological Detection of Hepatitis B Virus

Approximately 88% of the world population lives in regions with intermediate to high incidence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV), yet current serological and DNA-based detection methods have limited sensitivity and convenience. Here, we describe a preassembled plasmonic resonance nanocluster for HBV detection. The gold nanoparticle acceptors (AuNPs), with HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) epitope, and quantum dot (QD) donors with Fab antibody, are assembled into an immuno-mediated 3D-oriented complex with enhanced energy transfer and fluorescence quenching. The coherent plasmonic resonance between Au and QD nanoparticles is exploited to achieve improved donor-acceptor resonance within the nanocluster, which in the presence of HBV viral particles is disassembled in a highly specific manner. The nanocluster provides high detection specificity and sensitivity of HBV, with a sensitivity limit down to 1-100 viral particles per microliter and to attomolar levels of HBsAg. This general platform could be used to establish multiplex diagnostic assays for a variety of other microbial pathogens.