Double trouble for viruses: a hydrogel nanocomposite catches the influenza virus while shrinking and changing color†
Abstract
We report a virus responsive hydrogel with a dual response. The method utilizes the optical properties of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and the high swelling capacity of polyol-based hydrogels to form a nanocomposite of AuNPs and polyols that produces both color changes and shrinkage in the presence of Influenza A virus particles.