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Sensitive and reproducible detection of SARS-CoV-2 using SERS-based microdroplet sensor
Sohyun Park1, Chang Su Jeon2, Namhyun Choi1
1Department of Chemistry, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, South Korea.
Chemical Engineering Journal (Lausanne, Switzerland : 1996)
|May 25, 2022
Summary
A novel surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) microdroplet sensor significantly enhances severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) detection sensitivity and reproducibility. This rapid, point-of-care diagnostic platform offers improved accuracy for field detection.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biosensing
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Existing surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) assays for SARS-CoV-2 detection show limited sensitivity and reproducibility.
- Magnetic bead-based SERS methods offer marginal improvements but remain insufficient for reliable diagnostics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a SERS-based microdroplet sensor for dramatically improved limit of detection (LoD) and reproducibility in SARS-CoV-2 detection.
- To establish a rapid and accurate point-of-care diagnostic platform for SARS-CoV-2.
Main Methods:
- Developed a SERS-based microdroplet sensor utilizing microfluidics.
- Measured Raman signals from SERS nanotags within multiple microdroplets.
- Compared performance against traditional microtube-based SERS assays.
Main Results:
- Achieved a significant improvement in LoD from 36 to 0.22 PFU/mL.
- Reduced coefficient of variation from 21.2% to 1.79%, indicating enhanced reproducibility.
- Decreased total assay time from 30 to 10 minutes.
- Clinical tests showed excellent agreement with RT-PCR results.
Conclusions:
- The SERS-based microdroplet sensor offers superior sensitivity and reproducibility for SARS-CoV-2 detection.
- The developed sensor is a promising candidate for a rapid, accurate, and portable point-of-care diagnostic tool.
- Ensemble averaging of signals from multiple droplets is key to the enhanced performance.
