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SARS-CoV-2 Virus Detection Via a Polymeric Nanochannel-Based Electrochemical Biosensor
Amane Shiohara1,2,3, Marcin Wojnilowicz1,2, Quanxia Lyu2
1Drug Delivery, Deposition,and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|December 30, 2022
Summary
A novel electrochemical biosensor detects whole SARS-CoV-2 virions using nanochannels, offering high accuracy for COVID-19 diagnostics. This rapid, sensitive tool shows potential for point-of-care testing.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biosensors
- Infectious Disease Diagnostics
Background:
- Accurate COVID-19 diagnostics are crucial for disease management.
- Existing rapid tests often lack sensitivity, particularly for asymptomatic cases.
- Detecting the entire virus, not just fragments, offers a more direct diagnostic approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel nanochannel-based electrochemical biosensor for detecting SARS-CoV-2.
- To enable direct detection of intact virus particles for improved diagnostic accuracy.
- To create a sensitive and quantitative tool for viral load monitoring.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of nanochannels via convective assembly of polystyrene beads on gold electrodes.
- Functionalization of beads with bioreceptors and gold surface with anti-fouling agents.
- Electrochemical detection of virus-induced nanochannel blockage by measuring redox probe current changes.
Main Results:
- The biosensor detected intact SARS-CoV-2 virions with high sensitivity (limit of detection ≈1 particle/mL).
- A wide dynamic detection range (up to 10^8 particles/mL) was achieved.
- The biosensor successfully differentiated between positive and negative saliva samples.
Conclusions:
- The developed nanochannel biosensor offers a sensitive and quantitative method for detecting SARS-CoV-2.
- This technology has the potential for development into a point-of-care diagnostic tool.
- Direct virion detection represents a promising advancement in infectious disease diagnostics.
