Electrochemical Biosensor for SARS-CoV-2 cDNA Detection Using AuPs-Modified 3D-Printed Graphene Electrodes

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Development of rapid and cost-effective diagnostic tools is crucial for infectious diseases like COVID-19.
• Creatinine is a potential biomarker for COVID-19, necessitating sensitive detection methods.
• 3D-printed electrodes offer a customizable and low-cost platform for biosensor development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple, non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor for detecting SARS-CoV-2 cDNA and creatinine.
• To explore the use of a gold particle (AuP)-modified graphene polylactic (G-PLA) 3D-printed electrode for biosensing applications.
• To evaluate the analytical performance and potential of the developed sensor for rapid diagnostics.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a 3D-printed G-PLA electrode modified with AuPs.
• Electrochemical characterization using SEM, EIS, FTIR, and cyclic voltammetry.
• Detection of creatinine via square wave voltammetry and SARS-CoV-2 cDNA via hybridization on the modified electrode.

Main Results:

• The AuP-modified G-PLA electrode demonstrated a linear response for creatinine detection with a limit of detection of 0.016 mmol L⁻¹.
• A biosensor for SARS-CoV-2 cDNA detection was successfully developed, showing a limit of detection of 0.30 µmol L⁻¹ and high sensitivity (0.583 µA µmol⁻¹ L).
• Reproducible results were obtained with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 1.14% (n=3).

Conclusions:

• The Au-modified G-PLA 3D-printed electrode is a viable platform for developing fast, simple, and low-cost electrochemical sensors.
• The developed biosensor shows significant potential for the sensitive and reproducible detection of SARS-CoV-2 cDNA.
• 3D-printed platforms hold promise for the future production of advanced biosensing devices.