Fluorescent Biosensors for the Detection of Viruses Using Graphene and Two-Dimensional Carbon Nanomaterials

Abstract

Two-dimensional carbon nanomaterials have been commonly employed in the field of biosensors to improve their sensitivity/limits of detection and shorten the analysis time. These nanomaterials act as efficient transducers because of their unique characteristics, such as high surface area and optical, electrical, and magnetic properties, which in turn have been exploited to create simple, quick, and low-cost biosensing platforms. In this review, graphene and two-dimensional carbon material-based fluorescent biosensors are covered between 2010 and 2021, for the detection of different human viruses. This review specifically focuses on the new developments in graphene and two-dimensional carbon nanomaterials for fluorescent biosensing based on the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) mechanism. The high-efficiency quenching capability of graphene via the FRET mechanism enhances the fluorescent-based biosensors. The review provides a comprehensive reference for the different types of carbon nanomaterials employed for the detection of viruses such as Rotavirus, Ebola virus, Influenza virus H3N2, HIV, Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and Hepatitis B virus (HBV). This review covers the various multiplexing detection technologies as a new direction in the development of biosensing platforms for virus detection. At the end of the review, the different challenges in the use of fluorescent biosensors, as well as some insights into how to overcome them, are highlighted.

Multiplexed electrical detection of whole viruses from plasma in a microfluidic platform

“…Multiplexed detection is a particular area of interest in expanding diagnostic capabilities because many conditions can have overlapping symptoms and some diseases may have increased complications upon concurrent infection. 1,4,[10][11][12] Most multiplexed virus detections are performed through optical transducers. For example, multiplexed detection of up to 4 viruses in a single pot has been achieved using LAMP amplification techniques, 5,13 however the need for fluorescent labeling limits the degree of multiplexing that can be possible at PoC since differentiating more than 2-3 colors can be difficult to achieve without more precise equipment that may be prohibitive for these use cases.…”

“…[14][15][16] Another optical approach to multiplexed virus detection involves using graphene-based biosensors to detect viral DNA without amplification, but attempts at multiplexed graphene sensors have had difficulty achieving low limits of detection, and also rely on fluorophores for multiplexing which once again lowers their usability in point-of-care devices. 11,17 As such, new methods of simultaneous multiplexing that are compatible with point-of-care testing are needed.…”

Architecture of dual emissive three-dimensional nanostructure composites containing graphitic 2D sheets and iron oxide nanoparticles: detection of short single-stranded DNA sequences

“…13 A number of researchers have reported the construction of fluorescent biosensors for the detection of viruses using graphene and two-dimensional carbon nanomaterials. [14][15][16][17][18] The interaction of probes and targets may hamper the fluorescence intensity by quenching (off) or increase the fluorescence intensity by extracting quenching effects (on). 19,20 A single emission intensity at a wavelength is difficult to detect in qualitative and quantitative detection of targets because of unpredictable target-independent factors such as light scattering by the sample source, fluctuating excitation grid, specific probe surroundings and probe concentration change.…”

A dually emissive MPA-CdTe QDs@N, S-GQD nanosensor for sensitive and selective detection of 4-nitrophenol using two turn-off signals

“…[8][9][10][11][12] QDs possess excellent physicochemical properties, including size-tunability, stability, high photoluminescence, superior photostability, impressive water solubility, and the ability to combine with a wide range of materials. 13 GQDs, an emerging metal-free carbon material, offer special optical properties along with the advantages of green synthesis and ultralow toxicity. [14][15][16][17] Recent reports have utilized nanodots such as polyethyleneimine-capped carbon dots, 18 APTES-coated zinc oxide QDs, 3 nitrogen-doped CQDs, 2 and sulfur-doped CQDs 19 for the detection of 4-NP.…”