Graphene surface plasmon sensor for ultra-low-level SARS-CoV-2 detection.

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biosensing
• Materials Science

Background:

• Accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2 at ultra-low levels is critical for COVID-19 management.
• Existing detection methods often lack the required sensitivity, portability, speed, or cost-effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and analyze a novel sensor for sensitive, low-cost, portable, and rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2.
• To leverage graphene surface plasmon resonance enhanced by 2D materials for ultra-low concentration detection.

Main Methods:

• Development of a graphene surface plasmon resonance sensor.
• Functionalization of the graphene layer with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) antibodies.
• Integration of ultra-thin layers of tungsten disulfide (WS2), potassium niobate (KNbO3), and black phosphorus (BP) or blue phosphorus (BlueP) to enhance light absorption.

Main Results:

• The proposed sensor demonstrated the capability to detect SARS-CoV-2 at concentrations as low as approximately 1 fM.
• Achieved a minimum sensitivity of 201 degrees/RIU and a figure-of-merit of 140 RIU-1.
• Observed enhanced binding kinetics of SARS-CoV-2 to the sensor surface.

Conclusions:

• The developed graphene-based SPR sensor offers a promising solution for ultra-low-level SARS-CoV-2 detection.
• The sensor's design incorporating novel 2D materials enhances sensitivity and detection limits.
• This technology has the potential for widespread application in rapid and reliable COVID-19 diagnostics.