Evaluating whether or not a virus is infectious can now be done more quickly using a newly developed assay featured in the journal ACS Biomacromolecules.

Short for Fluorescence Assay for vIRal integritY, the FAIRY method rapidly evaluates viruses against virucidal antivirals, allowing for the swift determination of antiviral efficacy within minutes. 

“This simple, low-cost, assay uses ready-made consumables, and can rapidly screen multiple disinfectants and viruses, in a single microplate assay, for their ability to neutralize viral infectivity.  It could have screened every disinfectant for antiviral activity during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and so deliver a more rapid response during the next pandemic,” said Dr. Samuel Jones from Birmingham’s School of Chemistry.

This feat has never been done, as no assay can identify if a sample contacts intact or non-intact viruses without relying on cell cultivation. This process takes weeks, he added.

Unlike the current gold standard method for determining viral infectivity, the FAIRY assay does not require cultured cells. Instead, it uses a dye that binds to the DNA or RNA by penetrating the viruses’ pores. If the genetic material is viral, the dye produces a fluorescent signal.

Led by Dr. Jones, the research team tested the new method’s effectiveness using various viruses, specifically the following:

• Herpes simplex virus (HSV-2)

• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

• Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

• Human Rhinovirus-8 (HRV-8)

• Human Coronavirus OC43 (OC43)

• Chikungunya virus (CHIKV)

• Dengue virus 1

• Dengue virus 2

• Zika virus

• Enterovirus 71 (EV71)

The FAIRY assay demonstrates its potential by evaluating enveloped, non-enveloped, DNA, and RNA viruses. Testing with various broad-spectrum virucidal chemicals, including hydrogen peroxide, ethanol, and isopropanol, confirmed its effectiveness for rapidly studying virucides that destroy viral capsids.

Read the full article here to learn more about the FAIRY method.

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