Trends in nanomaterial-based biosensors for viral detection

Abstract

Pandemics such as COVID-19 have highlighted the importance of point-of-care sensors for testing, tracing and treatment to minimise and manage infection. Biosensors have been widely deployed in portable devices such as glucose sensors and pregnancy tests. Their development for point-of-exposure virus detection or point-of-care devices is anticipated but their reliability for the accurate detection of viruses is critical. Nanomaterials, such as metal nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, quantum dots, carbon-based nanomaterials, and molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) nanoparticles, have been utilised in biosensors to enhance sensitivity. Molecularly imprinting is a cost-effective method to synthesise polymer for selective binding with an excellent property as biosensors. More research on MIP nanoparticles can be expected in the near future. The utilisation of nanomaterials in several types of transducers for biosensor devices is also illustrated to give an overview of their use. Finally, a summary is given together with a future perspective on how biosensors can be further developed as reliable, portable viral biosensors.

Molecularly Imprinted Polymer-Based Electrochemical Sensing in Protein Detection

“…Their compact form factor and efficiency empower healthcare professionals to perform tests at the bedside, in rural or underserved areas, and even in resource-constrained environments. This decentralisation of diagnostic capabilities ensures quicker results, enabling immediate intervention and personalised patient care [80][81][82][83].…”

An ultra-sensitive SARS-CoV-2 antigen optical biosensor based on angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) functionalized magnetic-fluorescent silica nanoparticles

“…Due to the time consuming and meticulous steps involved, the diagnostic accuracy can be easily compromised, hence these tests rely heavily on trained personnel and sophisticated laboratories. Point-of-Care (POC) based detection are currently being developed to overcome the shortcomings of RT-PCR testing due to their advantageous properties such as high sensitivity, high specificity, low cost, and ease of use [7][8][9]. Therefore, the development of diagnostic kits are moving to POC based detection.…”