Recent advances of functional nucleic acid-based sensors for point-of-care detection of SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

This review focuses on critical scientific barriers that the field of point-of-care (POC) testing of SARS-CoV-2 is facing and possible solutions to overcome these barriers using functional nucleic acid (FNA)-based technology. Beyond the summary of recent advances in FNA-based sensors for COVID-19 diagnostics, our goal is to outline how FNA might serve to overcome the scientific barriers that currently available diagnostic approaches are suffering. The first introductory section on the operationalization of the COVID-19 pandemic in historical view and its clinical features contextualizes essential SARS-CoV-2-specific biomarkers. The second part highlights three major scientific barriers for POC COVID-19 diagnosis, that is, the lack of a general method for (1) designing receptors of SARS-CoV-2 variants; (2) improving sensitivity to overcome false negatives; and (3) signal readout in resource-limited settings. The subsequent part provides fundamental insights into FNA and technical tricks to successfully achieve effective COVID-19 diagnosis by using in vitro selection of FNA to overcome receptor design barriers, combining FNA with multiple DNA signal amplification strategies to improve sensitivity, and interfacing FNA with portable analyzers to overcome signal readout barriers. This review concludes with an overview of further opportunities and emerging applications for FNA-based sensors against COVID-19. Graphical abstract

Comparison of a Blood Self-Collection System with Routine Phlebotomy for SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Testing

“…Since COVID-19 was discovered there have been many advances in diagnostics to detect COVID-19 infection, including antibody testing [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ]. Antibody testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of COVID-19, is used to detect antibodies (IgM, IgA, IgG, or total antibodies) from blood samples.…”

Aptasensors for the detection of infectious pathogens: design strategies and point-of-care testing

“…Many of these aptasensors were capable of detecting viral proteins/particles with similar or better sensitivities than AGC GCG GGA GGC ACC GGGGA (L. monocytogenes) [185] those of the conventional assays within an hour or even in real time. Device miniaturization and incorporation with lateral flow assays, microfluidic platforms, or smartphones would further promote the implementation of these aptasensors into POCT utilization [11,149,175].…”

Advances in the use of nanomaterials for nucleic acid detection in point-of-care testing devices: A review

“…Exponential amplification in NA detection helps researchers obtain sufficient information from low NA levels. Zhang W et al (2022 ) reviewed the application of different nanomaterials (0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D) in isothermal NA amplification, and identified the following advantages of nanomaterials: increasing the activity and stability of the amplification enzyme, activating the activity of enzymes, inhibiting nonspecific amplification, and promoting helicase-dependent denaturation. These advantages are all driving forces in promoting the development of POCT devices.…”