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Published on: May 12, 2023
Enhanced Single-Particle Collision Electrochemistry at Polysulfide-Functionalized Microelectrodes for SARS-CoV-2
Jinrong Liu1, Yongzhong Jiang2, Wei Wen1
1Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Organic Chemical Materials, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for the Synthesis and Application of Organic Functional Molecules, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, PR China.
A novel biosensor enhances single-particle collision electrochemistry (SPCE) for sensitive SARS-CoV-2 detection. This improved SPCE method utilizes silver nanoparticles on functionalized electrodes, boosting collision frequency for accurate clinical diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Nanotechnology
- Biosensing
Background:
- Single-particle collision electrochemistry (SPCE) offers high sensitivity and fast response for biosensing.
- Challenges include low collision frequency and interference in complex clinical samples.
- Existing methods struggle with broad application in real-world diagnostics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel and universal SPCE biosensor for sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2.
- To enhance the collision frequency and signal generation for improved biosensing performance.
- To validate the biosensor's efficacy in detecting SARS-CoV-2 in clinical samples.
Main Methods:
- Utilized single silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and polysulfide-functionalized gold ultramicroelectrodes (Ps-Au UMEs).
- Leveraged the Ag-S bond interaction to promote Ag NP collision and oxidation, enhancing Faraday currents.
- Integrated magnetic separation, liposome encapsulation release, and DNAzyme-assisted signal amplification.
Main Results:
- Achieved a 15-fold increase in collision frequency on Ps-Au UMEs compared to bare Au UMEs.
- Demonstrated a wide dynamic range (5 orders of magnitude) for spike proteins.
- Reported a low detection limit of 6.78 fg/mL for spike proteins and 21 TCID50/mL for SARS-CoV-2.
- Successfully detected SARS-CoV-2 in patient nasopharyngeal swab samples.
Conclusions:
- The developed SPCE biosensor significantly improves sensitivity and practicability for biosensing.
- The novel functionalization strategy enhances collision frequency, enabling sensitive SARS-CoV-2 detection.
- The biosensor shows strong potential for accurate and clinically relevant diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infections.

