A Single-Component Luminescent Biosensor for the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Molecular Biology
• Diagnostic Assays

Background:

• Current protein detection methods often rely on complex antibody reagents.
• There is a need for simpler, more accessible detection tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and validate a novel, single-component, recombinant luminescent biosensor.
• To assess the biosensor's utility in detecting SARS-CoV-2 spike antigen and virus.

Main Methods:

• Engineered a recombinant luminescent biosensor for expression in *Escherichia coli* and *Saccharomyces cerevisiae*.
• Utilized homogeneous and immobilized assay formats.
• Detected SARS-CoV-2 spike antigen and cultured virus using the biosensor.

Main Results:

• Successfully expressed the biosensor in common laboratory microorganisms.
• Demonstrated detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigens and virus in various assay formats.
• Achieved signal detection using an unaugmented cell phone camera, highlighting accessibility.

Conclusions:

• Binding-activated tandem split-enzyme (BAT) biosensors offer a simplified approach to protein detection.
• This technology holds promise as a template for developing accessible diagnostics for SARS-CoV-2 and other proteins.