Fabrication of chitosan-coated mixed spinel ferrite integrated with graphene oxide (GO) for magnetic extraction of viral RNA for potential detection of SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

Genetic variants of the COVID-19 causative virus have been arising and circulating globally. In many countries especially in developing ones with a huge population, vaccination has become one of the major challenges. SARS-CoV-2 variants’ fast transmission rate has upsurge the COVID cases, leading to more stress on health systems. In the current COVID-19 scenario, there is the requirement of more adequate diagnostic approaches to check the COVID-19 spread. Out of many diagnostic approaches, a magnetic nanoparticle-based reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction could be nontrivial. The use of magnetic nanoparticles to separate nucleic acid of SARS-CoV-2 from the patient samples and applied for detection is an easy and more effective way for COVID-19 patient detection. Herein, the magnetic nanoparticles are synthesized using the sol-gel autocombustion methods and then, successfully coated with biopolymer (chitosan) using ultra-sonication. Chitosan-coated nanoparticles are successfully integrated into the graphene oxide sheets to introduce carboxyl groups. Crystallite size calculation, morphological and magnetic studies of synthesized magnetic nanoparticles, and multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles are done using XRD, SEM, TEM, and VSM respectively. Besides the potentiality of the fabricated nanocomposites in RNA extraction protocol is also discussed with schematic representation.

Molecular modifications, biological activities, and applications of chitosan and derivatives: A recent update

“…Currently, the most sensitive and specific method for SARS-CoV-2 detection is the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). 172,173 This type of test has some disadvantages, such as high processing time, high cost, need for trained operators, and the possibility of false positives. 172,174 One possibility to overcome these disadvantages is through the development of new tests, such as magnetic nanocomposite (MNC)-assisted RT-PCR, for which a chitosan coated mixed spinel ferrite integrated with graphene oxide was synthesized (Figure 14, compound 9).…”

“…172,173 This type of test has some disadvantages, such as high processing time, high cost, need for trained operators, and the possibility of false positives. 172,174 One possibility to overcome these disadvantages is through the development of new tests, such as magnetic nanocomposite (MNC)-assisted RT-PCR, for which a chitosan coated mixed spinel ferrite integrated with graphene oxide was synthesized (Figure 14, compound 9). Singh et al 172 have been carried out the studies related to the development of this technique, and the magnetization values obtained were promising.…”

“…172,174 One possibility to overcome these disadvantages is through the development of new tests, such as magnetic nanocomposite (MNC)-assisted RT-PCR, for which a chitosan coated mixed spinel ferrite integrated with graphene oxide was synthesized (Figure 14, compound 9). Singh et al 172 have been carried out the studies related to the development of this technique, and the magnetization values obtained were promising. It is expected that this method will allow an efficient and robust magnetic extraction of viral RNA for potential detection of SARS-CoV-2 allowing its detection in COVID-19 patients.…”

“…It is expected that this method will allow an efficient and robust magnetic extraction of viral RNA for potential detection of SARS-CoV-2 allowing its detection in COVID-19 patients. 172…”

pH-responsive glycine functionalized magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for SARS-CoV-2 RNA extraction from clinical sample

“…Sensitivity was observed after the 38 th cycle of RT-PCR Not specified The RNA extraction and detection were specific to N, E, and RDRP genes of SARS-CoV-2 [ 18 ] 3 Magnetic nanocomposites functionalized with chitosan and graphene oxide SARS-CoV-2 RNA - A protocol for magnet-based separation of SARS-CoV-2 RNA had been proposed. However, implementation of the above-mentioned protocol has been lacking Not specified Not specified Not specified [ 19 ] 4 Magnetic beads SARS-CoV-2 RNA Clinical sample Fluorescence instrumentation setup, RT-LAMP primers, and instrumentation has been highly required. Moreover, the reusability of beads has not been mentioned or addressed 100% sensitivity was obtained for E gene-specific SARS-CoV-2 virus Not specified The RNA extraction and detection were specific to the E gene of SARS-CoV-2 [ 20 ] 5 Glycine functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles SARS-CoV-2 Clinical sample Still need to be validated for commercial purpose 100% sensitivity was obtained for E, N and RDRP gene-specific SARS-CoV-2 virus The experiment supports the reusability of GNPs thrice for the extraction of SARS-CoV-2 The RNA extraction and detection were specific to the E, N and RDRP gene of SARS-CoV-2 Present study …”