3D-Printed SARS-CoV-2 RNA Genosensing Microfluidic System.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, is a versatile technology with applications ranging from nanosensors to construction.
• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates simple and rapid diagnostic systems.
• Lab-on-a-chip devices combined with electrochemical detection offer a promising approach for fast screening.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a 3D-printed electrochemical genosensor for rapid and sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2.
• To integrate a 3D printing pen (3D-PP) fabricated electrochemical cell with a PDMS microfluidic channel.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of using this system for pandemic-related diagnostics.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a microfluidic channel using PDMS.
• 3D printing of an electrochemical cell using a 3D printing pen (3D-PP).
• Modification of the genosensor with an ssDNA probe targeting the SARS-CoV-2 N gene.
• Electrochemical detection based on the electro-oxidation of adenine in ssDNA.

Main Results:

• The 3D-PP genosensor demonstrated high sensitivity for SARS-CoV-2 detection.
• The system exhibited a fast response time for screening.
• The sensing mechanism involves a decrease in sensor signal upon hybridization due to ssDNA desorption.

Conclusions:

• The developed 3D-printed genosensor is a viable tool for rapid SARS-CoV-2 detection.
• This technology offers a simple and effective solution for pandemic screening.
• 3D printing technology enables accessible fabrication of diagnostic devices.