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Femtomolar SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Detection Using the Microbubbling Digital Assay with Smartphone Readout Enables Antigen
Hui Chen1, Zhao Li1, Sheng Feng1
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.
Medrxiv : the Preprint Server for Health Sciences
|April 1, 2021
Summary
A novel ultra-sensitive SARS-CoV-2 antigen assay with smartphone readout accurately tracks viral antigen dynamics in COVID-19 patients. This assay shows promise for sensitive detection and monitoring of infection progression, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Limited understanding of SARS-CoV-2 antigen dynamics in diverse patient populations.
- Current rapid antigen tests lack sensitivity and specificity for tracking antigen levels.
Approach:
- Developed an ultra-sensitive SARS-CoV-2 antigen assay utilizing Microbubbling Digital Assay technology.
- Integrated smartphone readout with computer vision and machine learning for image analysis and quantitation.
- Tracked antigen dynamics in serial samples from hospitalized and immunocompromised COVID-19 patients.
Key Points:
- Assay demonstrates a limit of detection comparable to rRT-PCR and high analytical specificity.
- Achieved 97% positive and 97% negative percent agreement with EUA-approved rRT-PCR methods.
- Antigen levels decreased over time, correlating inversely with Ct values and symptom onset.
- Antigen was detectable longer in immunocompromised patients, suggesting potential for replicating virus detection.
Conclusions:
- The Microbubbling SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Assay offers sensitive and specific detection of infections.
- Enables quantitation and tracking of viral antigen dynamics across different patient groups and infection stages.
- Smartphone compatibility and automated processing position the assay for point-of-care use and further clinical research.
