SPECTROSCOPY
BMSREAKTHROUGH
New CEA research paves the way to detecting viruses
T
argeting analysis of biological particles with large aspect ratios, such as viruses or fi brils, CEA scientists have demonstrated a
breakthrough in single-particle mass spectrometry (MS) that could fast-track the detection of viral particles in hospitals, offi ces, aeroplanes and other public places. Nano-electromechanical sensors measure the mass of nano-objects
The researchers used light waves to enable new sensor geometries
inaccessible to conventional mass- spectrometry. T ey can be used to characterise synthetic or natural nanoparticles, such as viruses. Until now, the sensors’ electrical mode of detection restricted both the precision and speed of analysis and would only take into account spherical particles. T e CEA team, with the expertise
of the French National Centre for Scientifi c Research (CNRS), overcame this hurdle by developing novel mass sensors and was the fi rst to demonstrate MS measurement of individual nanoparticles by optomechanical detection. T e researchers used light waves to enable new sensor geometries, leading to better speed and analytical performance. Interaction with the sensor is performed with optical signals instead of electrical signals, which provides a 10k improvement in motion sensitivity.
10 TIMES LARGER AREA “T is demonstration of on-chip optomechanics as a superior alternative to electromechanical resonators for high-resolution, single-particle mass spectrometry paves the way to the analysis of viruses regardless of their shape, rigidity or position,” says Sebastien Hentz, director of research at CEA-Leti. T e capture area is 10 times larger than existing MS sensors, which translates into faster and more accurate analysis. “Building on our demonstration of a
proof-of-concept of mass detection in this highly challenging mass range, we are now working toward the development of a new optomechanical mass spectrometer desktop prototype that could detect and characterise airborne viral particles of any shape,” Hentz adds. “For this purpose, our photonics-derived fabrication process is easily amenable to the multiplexing of a large number of resonators using standard wavelength- division multiplexing and packaging techniques.”
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