An electrochemical immunosensor for the corona virus associated with the Middle East respiratory syndrome using an array of gold nanoparticle-modified carbon electrodes

Abstract

The Middle East respiratory syndrome corona virus (MERS-CoV) is highly pathogenic. An immunosensor for the determination of MERS-CoV is described here. It is based on a competitive assay carried out on an array of carbon electrodes (DEP) modified with gold nanoparticles. Recombinant spike protein S1 was used as a biomarker for MERS CoV. The electrode array enables multiplexed detection of different CoVs. The biosensor is based on indirect competition between free virus in the sample and immobilized MERS-CoV protein for a fixed concentration of antibody added to the sample. Voltammetric response is detected by monitoring the change in the peak current (typically acquired at a working potential of −0.05 V vs. Ag/AgCl) after addition of different concentrations of antigen against MERS-CoV. Electrochemical measurements using ferrocyanide/ferricyanide as a probe were recorded using square wave voltammetry (SWV). Good linear response between the sensor response and the concentrations from 0.001 to 100 ng.mL −1 and 0.01 to 10,000 ng.mL −1 were observed for MERS-CoV and HCoV, respectively. The assay was performed in 20 min with detection limit as low as 0.4 and 1.0 pg.mL −1 for HCoV and MERS-CoV, respectively. The method is highly selective over non-specific proteins such as Influenza A and B. The method is single-step, sensitive and accurate. It was successfully applied to spiked nasal samples.

Functionalized TiO2 Nanotube-Based Electrochemical Biosensor for Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2

“…Electrochemical biosensors are advantageous for sensing biomolecules because of their ability to detect biomarkers with accuracy, specificity and high sensitivity [ 17 ]. Electrochemical biosensors have been successfully used in medical diagnostics for the detection of viruses such as the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) [ 18 ], the human enterovirus 71 (EV71) [ 19 ], the human influenza A virus H9N2 [ 20 ], and the avian influenza virus (AIV) H5N1 [ 21 ]. Lahyquah et al [ 18 ] used an array of carbon electrodes modified with gold nanoparticles for the detection of MERS-CoV.…”

Rapid, Ultrasensitive, and Quantitative Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Using Antisense Oligonucleotides Directed Electrochemical Biosensor Chip

“… 24 − 26 Moreover, electrochemical techniques are considered as a cost-effective approach due to its simplicity of service, high sensitivity, rapid response, miniaturization, and ease of use in molecular diagnostics. 27 To date, numerous graphene-based electrochemical biosensors have been reported to detect a wide range of chemical and biological targets such as small molecules, metal ions, proteins, bacteria, and nucleic acids. 28 − 33 Various electrochemical immunosensors for influenza virus have been documented using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), 34 impedance spectroscopy (EIS), 35 linear sweep voltammetry, 36 , 37 chronoamperometry, 38 and cyclic voltammetry.…”

Developments in biosensors for CoV detection and future trends

“…The main characteristics of the biosensors reported in this review are summarized in Table 2 . It is interesting to note that the amperometric ( Layqah and Eissa, 2019 ) and FET-based ( Seo et al, 2020 ) biosensors achieved detection limits lower than picomolar levels, thanks to the nanomaterials employed in their fabrication, AuNPs and graphene, respectively.…”

“…In 2019, Layqah and Eissa (2019) described the first amperometric immunosensor for MERS-CoV virus detection. In particular, the spike protein S1 was utilized as MERS biomarker.…”