Quantitative paper-based dot blot assay for spike protein detection using fuchsine dye-loaded polymersomes

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Diagnostic Assays

Background:

• Real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is the gold standard for viral diagnosis.
• Point-of-care (POC) diagnostic technologies are advancing rapidly.
• Existing nanoparticle-based assays face limitations in cost and accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel fuchsine dye-loaded polymersome for a colorimetric paper-based dot blot assay.
• To create an adaptable diagnostic tool for COVID-19 spike protein detection using smartphone-assisted sensing.
• To provide a cost-effective and sensitive alternative to traditional nanoparticle assays.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of fuchsine dye-loaded polymersomes.
• Development of a paper-based dot blot assay for COVID-19 spike protein.
• Utilizing smartphone-assisted sensing for colorimetric detection.
• Analytical characterization and performance evaluation.

Main Results:

• The polymersome-based assay demonstrated high sensitivity, surpassing gold nanoparticles by 10 times.
• The platform exhibited excellent stability, fast turnaround time, and reproducibility.
• Smartphone-assisted sensing enabled user-friendly, at-home testing capabilities.

Conclusions:

• The developed polymersome platform offers a sensitive, stable, and adaptable diagnostic tool for COVID-19.
• This technology has the potential for widespread application in resource-limited settings and home-based testing.
• The adaptable nature of the platform suggests utility for detecting various biomarkers and pathologies.