Label free virus detection in complex biological environments using enhanced darfield hyperspectral microscopy

To demonstrate this capability, a whole blood sample was recently imaged from a subject experiencing symptoms from a viral infection. The hyperspectral image from this blood sample is shown in figure 1 above. Note the "bluish scatter" from these viral nano particulates mostly in the plasma area of the sample. The spectral profile of these particles has characteristics similar to pure virus samples such as RSV. This spectrum is illustrated in figure 2 and compared to the optical spectrum of the membrane of a red blood cell. Figure 3 illustrates spectral mapping (in red) of these virus particles in the whole blood sample. This mapping utilized the virus spectral library shown in figure 4.

Approximately one month later, a new whole blood sample was collected from this subject, who was no longer exhibiting symptoms of a viral infection. This sample is shown in figure 5. Using the identical spectral library (in figure 4) of the virus particles, the spectral mapping exercise was again conducted on the new whole blood sample from the same subject. This time, no spectral mapping occurred indicating the absence of the virus in the whole blood from the subject no longer experiencing viral infection symptoms.

This example data provides insight regarding the ability of CytoViva's Enhanced Darkfield Hyperspectral Microscope to rapidly detect and spectrally map virus particles in a complex biological environment. To better understand how the system can impact your research on viruses or other types of nanoscale samples, please contact us at info@schaefer-tec.it. We will be pleased to discuss your research and conduct test imaging of your samples as appropriate.