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SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA detection using the novel CoVradar device associated with the CoVreader smartphone app
Carmen Martín-Sierra1, Mavys Tabraue Chavez2, Pablo Escobedo3
1DESTINA Genomica S.L. Parque Tecnológico Ciencias de la Salud (PTS), Avenida de la Innovación 1, Edificio BIC, 18016, Armilla, Granada, Spain; GENYO Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada - Avenida de la Ilustración, 114- 18016, Granada, Spain; Department of Medicinal & Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Campus de Cartuja s/n, Granada, Spain; Unit of Excellence in Chemistry Applied to Biomedicine and the Environment of the University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain.
A new colorimetric method, CoVradar, detects SARS-CoV-2 RNA in saliva using dynamic chemical labeling and a smartphone app. This rapid, low-cost assay offers a simple alternative for infectious disease diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Diagnostics
- Biotechnology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates rapid and accessible diagnostic tools.
- Current SARS-CoV-2 detection methods often require complex laboratory procedures.
- There is a need for simplified, cost-effective molecular diagnostic assays.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and present CoVradar, a novel colorimetric assay for SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection.
- To evaluate the performance of CoVradar using saliva samples.
- To demonstrate the potential of CoVradar for diagnosing infectious diseases.
Main Methods:
- CoVradar combines nucleic acid analysis with dynamic chemical labeling (DCL) and a Spin-Tube device.
- The assay involves RNA fragmentation, capture by DGL probes on nylon membranes, and labeling with biotinylated SMART bases.
- Signal generation uses streptavidin alkaline phosphatase and a chromogenic substrate, analyzed by the CoVreader smartphone app.
Main Results:
- CoVradar successfully detects SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in saliva samples.
- The assay requires no RNA extraction, preamplification, or pre-labeling.
- Test time is approximately 3 hours with a manufacturing cost of ~€1 per test.
Conclusions:
- CoVradar offers a simple, rapid, and cost-effective molecular diagnostic solution for SARS-CoV-2.
- The CoVradar and CoVreader system provides an accessible method for molecular assay analysis.
- This technology holds promise for developing diagnostics for other infectious diseases.
