Abstract: Disclosed are compositions that comprise one or more broad-spectrum capture molecules (including, for example, the small, homodimer-forming lectin protein, Griffithsin), or glycoproteins that coat the viral envelope surface in methods for the identification of one or more virus particles in an airborne, aerosol, or aerosolized sample. Also disclosed are methods for the use of such capture agents in the manufacture of diagnostic reagents (as well as kits, devices, and systems comprising them), useful in developing viral detection platforms that are both rapid and facile to perform, yet highly-sophisticated, accurate, and sensitive. Methods are also provided for using these compositions in the identification, molecular capture, characterization, and design of therapeutic regents related thereto for the treatment of one or more symptoms of a viral infection, or a virally-induced disease in mammals and, particularly, in humans.