Rapid and precise diagnosis of viral infections has been the foundation of effective healthcare strategies, a fact that became critically clear during the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The novel biosensing framework designed by researchers takes advantage of a Gires-Tournois immunosensor and deep learning algorithms to accurately quantify minuscule bioparticles such as viruses at even low concentrations. Credit: Professor Young Min Song from GIST, Korea
Traditional diagnostic methods often rely on time-consuming, laboratory-based processes, resulting in delayed results and hampering the swift implementation of necessary treatment and containment measures. However, an international research team has introduced a groundbreaking solution, DeepGT, which seamlessly merges nanophotonic resonators and deep learning, offering an accurate and rapid virus detection system that can revolutionize diagnostics and improve public health preparedness.
Introducing DeepGT and the Power of GT Biosensors
In a collaborative effort, spearheaded by Professor Young Min Song from the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology in Korea, DeepGT has emerged as a pioneering solution to the pressing challenges of viral detection. This innovation, detailed in a recent study set to be published in Volume 52 of the journal Nano Today, offers a novel approach to virus detection, combining the power of Gires-Tournois (GT) biosensors with deep learning algorithms.
GT biosensors, characterized by their capability to serve as nanophotonic resonators, have exhibited potential in the detection of minuscule virus particles, generating detailed and colorful micrographs. However, these systems have faced limitations due to visual artifacts and non-reproducibility, hampering their practicality in virus detection.
DeepGT brings together the advantages of GT biosensors and the prowess of deep learning to address these limitations effectively. It offers an objective and data-driven approach to assess the severity of infections, allowing for precise diagnosis and healthcare guidance.
Professor Song explained the motivation behind their study, stating, "We designed DeepGT to objectively assess the severity of an infection or disease. This means that we will no longer have to rely solely on subjective assessments for diagnosis and healthcare but will instead have a more accurate and data-driven approach to guide therapeutic strategies."
The DeepGT Methodology
The core of DeepGT's success lies in its methodological intricacies, as outlined in the research study. It begins with the design of a GT biosensor, featuring a trilayered thin-film configuration, biofunctionalized to enable colorimetric sensing when interacting with target analytes.
To verify the system's sensing abilities, the research team simulated the binding mechanism between host cells and viruses, utilizing specially prepared bioparticles mimicking the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which caused the COVID-19 pandemic.
DeepGT then takes the concept of virus detection to a new level by implementing convolutional neural networks (CNN) trained using a vast dataset of optical and scanning electron micrographs. This approach successfully refines visual artifacts associated with bright-field microscopy and enhances the accuracy of bioparticle quantification, even at viral concentrations as low as 138 picograms per milliliter (pg ml–1). In comparison, rule-based algorithms exhibited a mean absolute error (MAE) of 13.47, while DeepGT achieved a remarkably low MAE of 2.37 across 1,596 images.
DeepGT is not just about virus detection; it goes a step further by providing insights into the severity of infection, ranging from asymptomatic to severe cases. This advanced biosensing system can potentially offer valuable guidance in developing treatment strategies and empowering healthcare professionals with critical information.
A Solution for Swift Virus Detection
DeepGT's breakthrough in virus detection is not limited to specific virus sizes or diffraction limits in visible light.
Our approach provides a practical solution for the swift detection and management of emerging viral threats as well as the improvement of public health preparedness by potentially reducing the overall burden of costs associated with diagnostics.
Professor Young Min Song, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology
In essence, DeepGT promises a significant leap forward in the field of virus detection, offering an efficient and precise method for screening viruses of varying sizes without being hindered by diffraction limits in visible light.
As we look to the future, the potential applications of DeepGT extend beyond virus detection. This innovation holds the promise of new AI-powered healthcare technologies that can enhance the quality of life for patients worldwide.
Introducing DeepGT represents a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against viral infections, ensuring more accurate diagnoses, faster responses, and ultimately, a healthier world.
Reference
Jiwon Kang et al., (2023) DeepGT: Deep learning-based quantification of nanosized bioparticles in bright-field micrographs of Gires-Tournois biosensor, Nano Today DOI: 10.1016/j.nantod.2023.101968
Source: Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology