Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 8, 2025
09:43
Microfluidic Chip Fabrication and Method to Detect Influenza
Published on: March 26, 2013
15.1K
Ultrasensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and antigen using single-molecule optofluidic chip
G G Meena1, A M Stambaugh1, V Ganjalizadeh1
1School of Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, California 95064, USA.
APL Photonics
|June 13, 2022
Summary
This study presents a new method for simultaneously detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNAs and antigens using single molecule sensitivity. This breakthrough enables ultrasensitive dual-target analysis for infectious disease diagnosis and beyond.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Nucleic acids and proteins are key targets in molecular diagnostics.
- Current methods struggle with simultaneous detection of both target types.
- A need exists for cross-compatible, sensitive detection methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for simultaneous multiplexed detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNAs and antigens.
- To achieve single molecule sensitivity for both target types.
- To enable ultrasensitive dual-target analysis in various diagnostic applications.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a single bead-based solid-phase extraction protocol for analyte isolation and labeling.
- Employed a multi-channel optofluidic waveguide chip for fluorescence detection.
- Demonstrated direct, amplification-free detection from nasopharyngeal swab samples.
Main Results:
- Achieved simultaneous detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNAs and antigens.
- Demonstrated single molecule sensitivity for both biomarkers.
- Validated the method using nasopharyngeal swab samples.
Conclusions:
- The developed method allows for ultrasensitive, simultaneous detection of nucleic acids and proteins.
- This approach overcomes limitations of standard, single-target-optimized methods.
- Opens new possibilities for dual-target analysis in diagnostics, including infectious diseases and oncology.
