Quantum probe enabled Raman spectroscopy for HIV test

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The global HIV prevalence is 0.8% among adults. Early identifying persons with HIV infection allows for timely engagement of treatment, care and prevention services. A fast, selective and accurate test is critical in combating HIV prevalence. At a broader level, there are two approaches for HIV diagnosis. In clinical setting, the most commonly method is through the detecting of immune response to HIV infection. The presence of antibody, antigen or the level of CD4+ cell can be used to confirm the infection of HIV. Most of test kits on market are based on this method and they are quite successful in terms of test accuracy. However, HIV reactivity can be tested only after a certain window time, normally few weeks after the infection. Therefore, this approach is excellent in test long-standing infections, but are sometimes unable to detect recent HIV infections. The advancement of nanotechnology has fueled the development of alternative approach for HIV test. Viral components, such as the HIV virus particle, RNA/DNA or viral proteins are sensed directly by nanosized sensors. The major advantage of this method is that early diagnosis as early as 9-11 days post-exposure can be concluded for adult and for infants younger than 18 months, whose infection cannot be confirmed with immune reactivity. The researchers from Ryerson University and NeuronicWorks have developed a prototype Raman analyzer for the rapid detection of COVID-19 virus particle, virus components and COVID-19 reactivity from saliva and blood serum. The high sensitivity of the device is achieved by quantum-sized semiconductor sensor. Machining learn derived diagnosis algorithms provides computerized interpretation of test results. In this project we will investigate the feasibility of applying the same concept for the detection of HIV particles/particle components as well as immune response. We aim to develop multiplex assay that can be applied to the whole course of HIV diagnosis and treatment. Some of the functions include but not limited to diagnosis HIV at the early stage of infection, interpreting HIV viral load/antibody/antigen for the design of treatment plan and confirm HIV infection for infants.