Influenza viruses continue to threaten human life, causing considerable damage socially and economically. To reduce influenza-related morbidity and mortality, there is an immediate requirement to develop efficient and effective tools to detect the virus. Several methods are currently employed for diagnosing influenza infections in humans, including viral culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and immunoassay. In addition, biosensors are being developed to improve the limitations of the conventional methods. In this article, we review the current progress in investigative techniques, including the development of biosensors having high sensitivity and selectivity and shorter detection time.

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Virus-like nanoparticles (VLPs) are natural polymer-based nanomaterials that mimic viral structures through the hierarchical assembly of viral coat proteins, while lacking viral genomes. VLPs have received enormous attention in a wide range of nanotechnology-based medical diagnostics and therapies, including cancer therapy, imaging, and theranostics. VLPs are biocompatible and biodegradable and have a uniform structure and controllable assembly. They can encapsulate a wide range of therapeutic and diagnostic agents, and can be genetically or chemically modified. These properties have led to sophisticated multifunctional theranostic platforms. This article reviews the current progress in developing and applying engineered VLPs for molecular imaging, drug delivery, and multifunctional theranostics in cancer research.

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