Hyperspectral image processing for the identification and quantification of lentiviral particles in fluid samples

Optical spectroscopic techniques have been commonly used to detect the presence of biofilm-forming pathogens (bacteria and fungi) in the agro-food industry. Recently, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy revealed that it is also possible to detect the presence of viruses in animal and vegetal tissues. Here we report a platform based on visible and NIR (VNIR) hyperspectral imaging for non-contact, reagent free detection and quantification of laboratory-engineered viral particles in fluid samples (liquid droplets and dry residue) using both partial least square-discriminant analysis and artificial feed-forward neural networks. The detection was successfully achieved in preparations of phosphate buffered solution and artificial saliva, with an equivalent pixel volume of 4 nL and lowest concentration of 800 TU.mu L-1. This method constitutes an innovative approach that could be potentially used at point of care for rapid mass screening of viral infectious diseases and monitoring of the SARS-CoV- 2 pandemic.

Automated summary

Optical spectroscopic techniques are commonly used in the agro-food industry to detect biofilm-forming pathogens, and recently, it has been discovered that near-infrared spectroscopy can also detect viruses in animal and vegetal tissues. A platform based on visible and near-infrared hyperspectral imaging has been developed for non-contact, reagent-free detection and quantification of laboratory-engineered viral particles in fluid samples, with successful detection achieved in phosphate buffered solution and artificial saliva. This innovative approach could potentially be used for rapid mass screening of viral infectious diseases and monitoring of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.