Human ACE2-Functionalized Gold “Virus-Trap” Nanostructures for Accurate Capture of SARS-CoV-2 and Single-Virus SERS Detection

Abstract

The current COVID-19 pandemic urges the extremely sensitive and prompt detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus. Here, we present a Human Angiotensin-converting-enzyme 2 (ACE2)-functionalized gold “virus traps” nanostructure as an extremely sensitive SERS biosensor, to selectively capture and rapidly detect S-protein expressed coronavirus, such as the current SARS-CoV-2 in the contaminated water, down to the single-virus level. Such a SERS sensor features extraordinary 106-fold virus enrichment originating from high-affinity of ACE2 with S protein as well as “virus-traps” composed of oblique gold nanoneedles, and 109-fold enhancement of Raman signals originating from multi-component SERS effects. Furthermore, the identification standard of virus signals is established by machine-learning and identification techniques, resulting in an especially low detection limit of 80 copies mL−1 for the simulated contaminated water by SARS-CoV-2 virus with complex circumstance as short as 5 min, which is of great significance for achieving real-time monitoring and early warning of coronavirus. Moreover, here-developed method can be used to establish the identification standard for future unknown coronavirus, and immediately enable extremely sensitive and rapid detection of novel virus.

SERS-Based Aptasensor for Rapid Quantitative Detection of SARS-CoV-2

“…The sensorgrams are shown in Figure 2. Dissociation constant of RBD-1C was 13±2nM (Table 1),which agrees well with the previous value of 5.8 ± 0.8 nM [19]. The truncated variant, RBD-1C-sh, had a dissociation constant of 330 ± 60 nM that corresponds to low specific binding.…”

“…It required more than 2 h of sample preparation and did not imply whole viral particles detection, which has less clinical significance [18]. Yang et al [19] presented a human angiotensin-converting-enzyme-2functionalized gold "virus traps" nanostructure as a very sensitive SERS biosensor. This optical sensor was used for selective capture and rapid detection of S-protein (expressed SARS-CoV-2) in the contaminated water.…”

SARS-CoV-2 Variant Screening Using a Virus-Receptor-Based Electrical Biosensor

“…Recently, there has been increasing efforts in the development of ACE2-based biosensors. Yang et al 22 reported that an ACE2-based biosensor can provide sensitivity comparable with that of PCR. Even though their biosensor itself provided a high limit of detection (17.7 pM), the combination with a machine-learning technique improved the sensitivity down to 80 copies/mL in 5 min.…”

Detection of COVID-19 Virus on Surfaces Using Photonics: Challenges and Perspectives

“…Research demonstrated that the SERS technique could detect COVID-19 in polluted water at the single virus level. The detection limit was 80 copies ml −1 , and the detection time was 5 min [ 67 ]. However, the SERS methods used to detect COVID-19 need sample collection, storage, transportation, filtration, and treatment before diagnosis, which are time-consuming.…”