Ultra-highly sensitive detection of influenza virus by Localized surface-plasmon resonance sensor

H5N1 is a highly pathogenic influenza virus that causes severe respiratory disease in birds and humans. The development of a highly sensitive detection method for H5H1 is vital to control spread and even terminate the outbreak of pandemic H5N1. Herein, we develop a highly sensitive local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) sensor based on a gold-dot pattern chip for H5N1 detection. The LSPR sensor chip is fabricated by nano-imprint lithography, and it can detect and discriminate hemagglutinin H5 protein at femtogram-level sensitivity. Based on the results of the finite-difference time-domain simulation, the LSPR spectrum in the near-infrared region is suitable and appropriate to obtain the desired sensor sensitivity. The detection sensitivity of the sensor is 10 9 times higher than the immunochromatography method and is comparable to RT-PCR. Therefore, our sensor chip is very useful to provide valuable information for protection from pandemics.