Electrochemiluminescent nanostructured DNA biosensor for SARS-CoV-2 detection

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Accurate and rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial for pandemic control.
• Existing diagnostic methods face limitations in sensitivity and speed.
• Development of sensitive biosensors is essential for early disease identification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly sensitive electrochemiluminescent (ECL) nanostructured DNA biosensor for the detection of SARS-CoV-2.
• To utilize gold nanomaterials (AuNMs) and carbon nanodots (CDs) for enhanced ECL signal generation.
• To establish a reliable platform for rapid and sensitive viral detection.

Main Methods:

• Disposable electrodes were modified with a mixture of gold nanotriangles (AuNTs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to create a nanostructured platform.
• Green-synthesized carbon nanodots (CDs) were employed as coreactants with [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ for anodic ECL.
• Hybridization of SARS-CoV-2 DNA with the sensor was detected by monitoring changes in the ECL signal.

Main Results:

• The developed biosensor demonstrated effective detection of a specific DNA sequence from SARS-CoV-2.
• The nanostructured platform significantly enhanced the electrochemiluminescent properties.
• A highly sensitive detection limit of 514 aM was achieved for SARS-CoV-2 DNA.

Conclusions:

• The novel ECL nanostructured DNA biosensor offers a promising tool for sensitive and rapid SARS-CoV-2 detection.
• The combination of AuNMs and CDs provides an efficient ECL system for biosensing applications.
• This technology has the potential for early diagnosis and monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 infections.