Rapid detection and identification of viruses using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis

A rapid detection and identification method for viruses based on variations in their structural proteins (SP) was developed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Viral SPs purified by ultracentrifugation using sucrose were cleaved by formic acid (FA) with heating (30 min) or microwaving (5 min). The resulting peptides were analysed using MALDI-TOF MS in a linear mode with a α-cyano-4-hydroxy cinnamic acid matrix. Peptide mass fingerprints (PMF) from SPs were compared, and viruses were identified using data matching analysis. All analysed viruses, insect and animal viruses, showed unique PMFs. Viruses could be detected and identified based on differences in PMFs obtained from SPs after quick FA treatment with heating or microwaving. Short FA cleavage of SPs by heating or microwaving against purified virus SPs using ultracentrifugation enabled rapid and cost-effective detection and identification of viruses.