Rolosense: Mechanical Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Using a DNA-Based Motor

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Nanotechnology
• Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

• Viral infections like SARS-CoV-2 necessitate rapid detection methods.
• Conventional assays often require amplification and complex instrumentation.
• A need exists for sensitive, point-of-care diagnostic tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce Rolosense, a novel virus sensing platform.
• To demonstrate its capability for detecting SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses.
• To showcase its potential for rapid, low-cost point-of-care screening.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 5 μm DNA-based motors and RNA fuel chips for virus detection.
• Modified motors and chips with aptamers for multivalent binding to viral targets.
• Leveraged motor stalling as a transduction mechanism for viral presence.
• Employed smartphone microscopy for readout without amplification.

Main Results:

• Rolosense detected SARS-CoV-2 in artificial saliva and breath condensate at 10^3 copies/mL.
• The platform discriminated between different respiratory viruses.
• Achieved one-pot multiplexed detection of influenza A and SARS-CoV-2.
• Demonstrated smartphone-based readout in 15 minutes.

Conclusions:

• Rolosense offers a unique mechanical testing mechanism for viral detection.
• The platform is modular, multiplexable, and amenable to point-of-care applications.
• Mechanical detection via Rolosense has broad applicability for various viral targets.