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A capacitive laser-induced graphene based aptasensor for SARS-CoV-2 detection in human saliva
Geisianny Moreira1,2,3, Hanyu Qian4, Shoumen Palit Austin Datta5,6
1Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America.
Plos One
|August 17, 2023
Summary
A new electrochemical biosensor using aptamers can detect SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) in saliva, even at low viral loads. This non-invasive test shows promise for early infection detection and preventing asymptomatic spread.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Infectious Disease Diagnostics
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for rapid and accessible diagnostic tools.
- Electrochemical biosensors offer a promising alternative for high-demand testing, especially where standard technologies are limited.
- Aptamers provide stable, specific, and sensitive recognition elements for molecular targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a non-invasive electrochemical aptamer-based biosensor for detecting SARS-CoV-2 in human saliva.
- To evaluate the biosensor's performance, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in detecting SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.
Main Methods:
- Developed a biosensor using laser-induced graphene electrodes functionalized with a biotin-tagged aptamer targeting the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein.
- Employed Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) for sensing in a saliva matrix.
- Tested with UV-attenuated SARS-CoV-2 BA.1 variants and other common respiratory viruses (hCoV-OC43, Influenza A, RSV-A).
Main Results:
- The aptasensor demonstrated sensitivity and specificity for SARS-CoV-2 BA.1 at low viral loads (10-100 copies/ml).
- Achieved an estimated Limit of Detection (LOD) of 1790 copies/ml in contrived samples.
- Showed 72% accuracy in human clinical samples, with 75% positive percent agreement and 67% negative percent agreement.
Conclusions:
- The developed aptasensor is a promising tool for early-stage SARS-CoV-2 detection in saliva.
- Its non-invasive nature and ability to detect low viral concentrations can aid in preventing asymptomatic transmission of COVID-19.
