Future developments in biosensors for field-ready Zika virus diagnostics

J Biol Eng. 2017 Jan 23:11:7. doi: 10.1186/s13036-016-0046-z. eCollection 2017.

Abstract

Since early reports of the recent Zika virus outbreak in May 2015, much has been learned and discussed regarding Zika virus infection and transmission. However, many opportunities still remain for translating these findings into field-ready sensors and diagnostics. In this brief review, we discuss current diagnostic methods, consider the prospects of translating other flavivirus biosensors directly to Zika virus sensing, and look toward the future developments needed for high-sensitivity and high-specificity biosensors to come.

Keywords: Biosensors; Flaviviruses; Immunoassays; LAMP; RT-PCR; Zika.

Publication types

  • Review