GlycoGrip: Cell Surface-Inspired Universal Sensor for Betacoronaviruses

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Infectious Disease Diagnostics
• Glycobiology

Background:

• Cell-surface glycoproteins act as coreceptors for pathogen entry.
• Conventional immunoassays face challenges with detecting viral mutations.
• The glycocalyx plays a role in pathogen-host cell interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a glycopolymer-based lateral flow assay for detecting SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.
• To investigate the binding mechanisms between glycocalyx components and the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein.
• To provide a sensitive, rapid, and adaptable diagnostic tool for viral detection.

Main Methods:

• Development of GlycoGrip, a lateral flow assay using glycopolymers for capture and gold nanoparticle-labeled antibodies for detection.
• Integration of experimental work with computational simulations for assay optimization.
• Ensemble-based docking simulations to study spike glycoprotein-glycan interactions.

Main Results:

• GlycoGrip demonstrates selective, sensitive, and rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants in biofluids.
• Glycopolymer binding offers multivalent advantages and adaptability to mutated strains.
• Computational simulations provided insights into host-cell infection mechanisms involving the spike glycoprotein and glycocalyx.

Conclusions:

• GlycoGrip is a promising and generalizable biosensor for SARS-CoV-2 detection, adaptable to new variants.
• The assay offers advantages over conventional methods, including cost-effectiveness and ease of use.
• GlycoGrip has the potential for broad application, particularly in underserved populations.