Objective:

To develop a taste-based influenza screening approach utilizing viral neuraminidase activity for early detection.

Key Findings:

• The α-linked, methylated sensor showed selectivity for viral neuraminidase over bacterial neuraminidase.
• Neuraminidase activity in patient saliva was sufficient to activate the sensor.
• The α-sensor remained stable for at least four weeks and showed no cytotoxicity at tested concentrations.

Interpretation:

The modified sensor could provide a low-cost, rapid testing solution for influenza at the point of care, pending further evaluation against patient-reported outcomes.

Limitations:

• The sensor's effectiveness in real-world clinical settings remains to be validated.
• Further studies are needed to assess patient-reported outcomes and overall utility.

Conclusion:

The study demonstrates a promising approach for influenza screening that could enhance early detection capabilities.