Specific Immobilization of Rotaviruses for Atomic Force Microscopy Using Langmuir Antibody Films Based on Amphiphilic Polyelectrolytes

The Langmuir–Blodgett technique is a useful and suitable tool for fabrication of affinity layers. Langmuir antibody films based on amphiphilic polyelectrolytes have been used for specific immobilization of rotaviruses for atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis. AFM has been used for structural analysis of virus particles and their identification based on specific interactions of antibodies with rotaviruses. Virus-containing samples were investigated in the atomic force microscope using contact and tapping mode. Monoclonal mouse antibodies against viruses were used for film deposition. Antibodies were deposited on different substrates using Langmuir–Blodgett and Langmuir–Schaeffer techniques. A comparison of the size of virus particles obtained by AFM and electron microscopy has been done.