Virus Capture

Begin with a microfluidic device containing an inlet and an outlet connected to a microchip composed of aligned carbon nanotube arrays.These arrays are made of carbon nanotubes with a specific intertubular distance to trap the virus.Take a sample containing the avian influenza virus and flush it through the arrays.As the sample flows through, the viruses are captured within the intertubular space between the nanotubes.Flush with a buffer to remove any free viruses and cellular debris.Take out...

Here, we present a protocol to detect neutralization epitopes on antigen-displaying virus-like particles (VLPs). Immunoprecipitation of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-derived VLPs is performed using envelope glycoproteins-specific monoclonal antibodies coupled to protein G-conjugated magnetic beads. Captured VLPs are subsequently subjected to SDS-PAGE and Western blot-analysis employing viral core protein Gag-specific antibodies.

In this video, we demonstrate an immunoprecipitation assay, called the VLP capture assay, to isolate antigen-displaying virus-like particles, or VLPs, from a sample. The antigen binds with specific antibodies bound to magnetic beads, forming an immobilized antigen-antibody complex that is later separated and stored for further analysis.

Plaquing is a routine method used to quantify live viruses in a population. Though plaquing is frequently taught in various microbiology curricula with bacteria and bacteriophages, plaquing of mammalian viruses is more complex and time-consuming. This protocol describes the procedures that function reliably for regular work with herpes simplex viruses.

This protocol demonstrates how to use the plant host to detect salivary proteins of leafhopper and plant viral proteins released by leafhopper vectors.