To develop a taste-based influenza screening approach utilizing viral neuraminidase activity for early detection.
Approach:
Key Findings:
The α-linked, methylated sensor showed selectivity for viral neuraminidase over bacterial neuraminidase.
Neuraminidase activity in patient saliva was sufficient to activate the sensor.
The α-sensor remained stable for at least four weeks and showed no cytotoxicity at tested concentrations.
Interpretation:
The modified sensor could provide a low-cost, rapid testing solution for influenza at the point of care, pending further evaluation against patient-reported outcomes.
Limitations:
The sensor's effectiveness in real-world clinical settings remains to be validated.
Further studies are needed to assess patient-reported outcomes and overall utility.
Conclusion:
The study demonstrates a promising approach for influenza screening that could enhance early detection capabilities.
