Biosensor for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 in real-world samples

Abstract

The current COVID-19 pandemic has become a worldwide problem with more than 169 million people infected by May 2021. Here we demonstrate a unique technology, based on the quartz crystal microbalance method, for the rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2. This biosensor fulfils all of the many requirements for the rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 in complex samples. This is achieved by a tailored antifouling surface post-modified with antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (N). The A-QCM profits from absence of sample pre-treatment and utilizes the natural properties of N protein, which forms complexes with vRNA. Thanks to this, the clinically relevant LOD of 6.7×10 3 PFU/mL was reached using one-step detection assay. The A-QCM biosensor was also validated with clinical samples (i.e. nasopharyngeal swabs) with full agreement with qRT-PCR. The A-QCM biosensor was also utilized for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in surface swabs in means of public transport.

Precision Temperature Control System with Low EMI for Applications in Analyzing Thermal Properties of Highly Sensitive Piezoelectric Sensors

“…QCM-based measurements often take tens of minutes to complete [ 4 , 6 ], hence the proposed system was tested for the long-term stability. Three setpoint values were chosen: 25 °C which is very often used for electronic components testing and characterization, and highest and lowest stable temperatures achieved, i.e., −3 °C and 70 °C.…”

“…This allows for external factors to impact the resonant frequency and damping factor of the exposed crystal, which makes it possible to indirectly measure various physical quantities. QCM properties make it suitable for many applications in modern science such as biosensors [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ], vapors and particulate matter sensors [ 8 , 9 , 10 ], systems for characterization of liquids [ 11 , 12 , 13 ], and aerospace [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. Underlying most experiments are indirect measurements of mass changes and viscoelastic properties [ 19 ].…”

Driving Polymer Brushes from Synthesis to Functioning

“…[275] Stimuli-responsive polymer brushes have also been used to detect antibodies and tumor cells or even bacterial pathogens. [277][278][279][280] However, developing more userfriendly and practical methods for fabricating responsive polymer brush-based detectors is still needed, and the responsive behaviors in a physiological environment in vivo are worth further studying.…”

Plasmonic and metamaterial biosensors: a game-changer for virus detection

“…130,153 A label-free detection assay scheme based on an antifouling polymer brush biointerface prepared on a gold-coated piezoelectric quartz crystal microbalance chip was fabricated to enable the quantitative analysis of N-protein of SARS-CoV-2. 158 This device improved the bioassay sensitivity to a clinically relevant LOD of 1.3 × 10 4 PFU mL −1 within a detection time of only 20 min. 159 A customized SPR serological biosensor based on the Kretschmann configuration incorporated with microfluidic components in a compact and user-friendly platform was demonstrated for identification and quantification of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in clinical samples.…”