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SARS-CoV-2 detection in COVID-19 patients' sample using Wooden quoit conformation structural aptamer (WQCSA)-Based
Parshant Kumar Sharma1, Nam-Young Kim2, Enkhzaya Ganbold3
1RFIC Bio Centre, Kwangwoon University, 20 Kwangwoon-ro, Nowon-Gu, Seoul, 01897, South Korea; Department of Electronics Engineering, Kwangwoon University, 20 Kwangwoon-ro, Nowon-Gu, Seoul, 01897, South Korea; NDAC Centre, Kwangwoon University, 20 Kwangwoon-ro, Nowon-Gu, Seoul, 01897, South Korea.
A new, rapid, and affordable biosensor detects Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants using DNA aptamers. This label-free capacitive device offers ultrafast detection in patient samples, aiding public health surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Nanotechnology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic caused by Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) necessitates rapid diagnostic tools.
- SARS-CoV-2 variants pose ongoing public health challenges due to altered transmissibility and immune evasion.
- Current diagnostic methods face limitations in speed, cost, and sensitivity for variant detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and benchmark an ultrafast, inexpensive, label-free biosensor for detecting SARS-CoV-2 variants.
- To utilize a novel DNA aptamer-based capacitive biosensing device for sensitive detection of viral proteins.
- To demonstrate the potential for rapid point-of-care diagnostics for respiratory viruses.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a Wooden quoits conformation structural aptamer (WQCSA)-based inter-digitated capacitor electronic (WQCSA-IDCE) biosensor.
- Utilizing label-free DNA aptamers for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) and Nucleocapsid (N) proteins.
- Employing a molecular beacon (MB) method for fluorescent detection and comparison.
Main Results:
- Achieved ultrafast detection (5 seconds) of SARS-CoV-2 variants with high sensitivity.
- Demonstrated label-free sensing of viral proteins in real patient samples at a low cost ($0.15 USD).
- The WQCSA-IDCE system showed a switch-turn-on response for ultrasensitive detection.
Conclusions:
- The developed WQCSA-IDCE biosensor is a promising platform for rapid, affordable, and sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants.
- Label-free DNA aptamer-based sensors offer a viable alternative for point-of-care diagnostics of viral respiratory diseases.
- This technology can be adapted for detecting other critical acute respiratory virus syndrome disorders.
