Biosensors: frontiers in rapid detection of COVID-19

Abstract

The rapid community-spread of novel human coronavirus 2019 (nCOVID19 or SARS-Cov2) and morbidity statistics has put forth an unprecedented urge for rapid diagnostics for quick and sensitive detection followed by contact tracing and containment strategies, especially when no vaccine or therapeutics are known. Currently, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is being used widely to detect COVID-19 from various types of biological specimens, which is time-consuming, labor-intensive and may not be rapidly deployable in remote or resource-limited settings. This might lead to hindrance in acquiring realistic data of infectivity and community spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the population. This review summarizes the existing status of current diagnostic methods, their possible limitations, and the advantages of biosensorbased diagnostics over the conventional ones for the detection of SARS-Cov-2. Novel biosensors used to detect RNA-viruses include CRISPR-Cas9 based paper strip, nucleic-acid based, aptamer-based, antigen-Au/Ag nanoparticles-based electrochemical biosensor, optical biosensor, and Surface Plasmon Resonance. These could be effective tools for rapid, authentic, portable, and more promising diagnosis in the current pandemic that has affected the world economies and humanity. Present challenges and future perspectives of developing robust biosensors devices for rapid, scalable, and sensitive detection and management of COVID-19 are presented in light of the test-test-test theme of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Rapid SARS-CoV-2 Detection Using Electrochemical Immunosensor

“…Furthermore, potentiostats are already available in miniaturized formats, enabling the possibility of on-the-spot or point-of-care applications. Electrochemical biosensors have previously been used to detect viral antigens from several pathogenic viruses such as Hepatitis, Dengue, Rabies, and Zika [ 16 , 17 , 18 ]. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in biosensor research aiming to identify and quantify SARS-CoV-2 specific antigens [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ].…”

Nucleic Acid-Based Diagnostic Tests for the Detection SARS-CoV-2: An Update

“…Biosensors have been shown to be capable of attaining detection limits in the fentomolar and attomolar range by tapping into the various types of signal amplification strategies. For a more comprehensive discussion on the potential application of different biosensing approaches for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, the review by Samson et al [ 167 ] is recommended. Biosensors at the proof-of-concept stage provide a glimpse of their potentials to revolutionize diagnostic testing, but the journey to commercialization remains long, costly and arduous.…”

Advancements in research and development to combat COVID-19 using nanotechnology

“…These types of sensors are fabricated by coating graphene sheets with a selective antibody against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein G. Seo et al [ 81 ] have reported a graphene FET device for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein at concentrations of 1 fg/mL in phosphate-buffered saline and 100 fg/mL clinical transports medium. The detection of the virus in the air has also been claimed in this report [ 81 ].…”

“…These types of sensors are fabricated by coating graphene sheets with a selective antibody against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein G. Seo et al [ 81 ] have reported a graphene FET device for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein at concentrations of 1 fg/mL in phosphate-buffered saline and 100 fg/mL clinical transports medium. The detection of the virus in the air has also been claimed in this report [ 81 ]. Groltex and Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute has claimed to develop a graphene-based biosensor platform consisting of handheld reader units and disposable plastic testing chips [ 82 ].…”