# Rapid Viral Diagnostic Test by Digital Plasmonic Nanobubbles

> **NIH NIH R41** · AVSANA LABS INCORPORATED · 2022 · $300,000

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract: Respiratory viruses are among the most serious threats to global public health, in
part due to the limitations of currently commercially available tests: the high cost and time-consuming nature of
lab-based tests, as well as the comparatively lower sensitivity and specificity of point-of-care (PoC) tests. There
is a significant need for a rapid, portable, and inexpensive testing capability that is both highly sensitive and
specific. The broad, long-term objective of this project is the development of a highly sensitive viral diagnostic
test employing Avsana Labs’ digital plasmonic nanobubble (digital PNB) counting technology for detection of
RSV, a globally significant virus selected for proof-of-concept studies. The viral test device implements sensing
of virus particles by means of their attachment to antibody-conjugated gold nanoparticles, employing laser beams
co-aligned in an optical fiber to generate nanobubbles from gold nanoparticles in a digital format (presence or
absence of large nanobubbles) with the use of a microfluidic chip. The test will feature a rapid test turnaround
time, high sensitivity and specificity, low cost, portability, and ease of use that will make it suitable for the PoC,
including low-resource settings. Aim 1: Develop alpha-prototype platform for dPNB assay, demonstrating
portability & functionality. In a related R01 study, the assay is realized using a laboratory setup. This aim will
focus on miniaturizing optics and electronics from the lab setup into a benchtop-portable device as an alpha-
prototype of a PoC platform, which would incorporate all the necessary signal processing around the detection
mechanism, enabling a low-cost self-contained solution. Aim 2: Optimize the assay workflow and chemistry
for intact RSV virus detection in clinical specimen matrix. The goal is to establish a robust assay workflow
and chemistry to detect intact viruses in de-identified nasopharyngeal swab samples, in order to integrate with
the alpha-prototype from Aim 1 and advance the technology toward a reliable diagnostic test for use in the clinic.
Aim 3: Test the sensitivity and specificity of the dPNB assay with a pilot cohort of de-identified clinical
containing RSV and Influenza type A specimens using the alpha-prototype. An important milestone towards
commercialization is to establish early-on the ability to detect viruses in clinical specimens. We will test a small
cohort of 60 de-identified clinical specimens, and use the original laboratory setup for reference. Societal
benefits and broader impact on public health will be found in rapid and accurate in vitro viral pathogen
diagnosis. Avsana envisions that the PNB platform will benefit the management of seasonal respiratory and
emerging viral infections, and that additionally, it will accelerate the pandemic response and reduce the loss of
lives in the likely event of future viral pandemics.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10547200
- **Project number:** 1R41AI170408-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** AVSANA LABS INCORPORATED
- **Principal Investigator:** Zhenpeng Qin
- **Activity code:** R41 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $300,000
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-07-14 → 2024-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10547200

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10547200, Rapid Viral Diagnostic Test by Digital Plasmonic Nanobubbles (1R41AI170408-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10547200. Licensed CC0.

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