A fluorometric and naked eye readable neuraminidase probe for influenza virus detection.

Rapid diagnostic methods are crucial for effective influenza therapy and the prevention of flu pandemics. Neuraminidase (NA), a key protein on the surface of influenza virions, plays a vital role in the replication of the influenza virus (IV). Herein, we present SANP, a multimode NA-activatable fluorescent probe designed for rapid influenza detection and live-cell imaging. This probe demonstrated a high sensitivity with a limit of detection (LOD) of 15.4 mU/mL for NA and 2-2 hemagglutination units (0.25 HAU) for influenza virus samples. SANP also exhibited a LOD of 20 HAU (1 HAU) when detected influenza virus samples by the naked eye without the aid of equipment. Moreover, SANP facilitated real-time visualization of NA activity in influenza-infected cells through fluorescence imaging.