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Impedimetric Sensor for SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Detection: Performance Assessment with an ACE2
Diego Quezada1, Beatriz Herrera1, Rodrigo Santibáñez1
1Instituto de Ciencias Aplicadas, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, el Llano Subercaseaux 2801, San Miguel, Santiago 8910060, Chile.
Biosensors
|December 27, 2024
Summary
A new electrochemical biosensor using ACE2 peptide mimics offers rapid and sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. This innovation provides a fast, in situ diagnostic tool for COVID-19, crucial for large-scale analysis.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates advanced biosensors for SARS-CoV-2 detection.
- Existing methods often lack sensitivity, speed, or in situ applicability.
- Peptide-based biosensors offer a promising alternative for rapid diagnostics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel electrochemical biosensor for sensitive and rapid SARS-CoV-2 detection.
- To utilize a peptide mimic of the ACE2 receptor for specific viral protein binding.
- To evaluate the sensor's performance for quantifying SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of an impedimetric biosensor using a graphite electrode modified with an ACE2 peptide-mimic.
- Quantification of recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD protein as a model analyte.
- Analysis using single-frequency impedance measurements and molecular dynamics simulations.
Main Results:
- The biosensor accurately quantified the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein within a linear range of 0.167-0.994 ng mL⁻¹.
- Achieved a low detection limit of 45.08 pg mL⁻¹ with high sensitivity and specificity confirmed by molecular dynamics.
- Demonstrated rapid analysis time of just 3 minutes per measurement.
Conclusions:
- The developed peptide-based electrochemical biosensor provides a fast and sensitive method for SARS-CoV-2 detection.
- This system offers advantages for in situ, large-scale analysis, potentially applicable to other viral targets.
- The sensor represents a significant advancement in rapid diagnostic technologies for emerging infectious diseases.
