Handheld, Low-Cost, Aptamer-Based Sensing Device for Rapid SARS-CoV-2 RNA Detection Using Novelly Synthesized Gold...

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biosensing
• Virology

Background:

• The urgent need for rapid, cost-effective pandemic virus detection is critical.
• Existing methods for detecting viruses like severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) often involve complex instrumentation and lengthy turnaround times.
• Developing scalable and efficient synthesis of detection tools is paramount for global health security.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report an innovative and scalable synthesis of metal nanoparticles for the rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA.
• To introduce a novel electronic device utilizing these nanoparticles for quick viral detection.
• To demonstrate a cost-efficient and user-friendly approach for identifying viral nucleic acids.

Main Methods:

• Utilized tin as a solid-state, reusable reducing agent for the rapid synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs).
• Developed an electronic detection device by functionalizing AuNPs with DNA-based aptamers specific to SARS-CoV-2 RNA.
• Employed a voltage-assisted, solid-state reduction process for nanoparticle formation within 30 seconds.

Main Results:

• Achieved rapid, scalable synthesis of metal nanoparticles using tin as a reusable reducing agent.
• Demonstrated the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in under 5 minutes using the developed electronic device.
• Confirmed the potential for adapting the device to detect nucleic acids of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants (e.g., Delta, Omicron) by modifying aptamer sequences.

Conclusions:

• The developed method offers a cost-efficient, rapid, and scalable approach for metal nanoparticle synthesis.
• The electronic device provides a significant advancement over traditional methods, overcoming limitations of complex instrumentation and labor.
• This technology holds promise for rapid point-of-care diagnostics of current and future viral threats.