Nanobiosensor Developed for Detecting SARS-CoV-2
New sensor technology breakthrough against the pandemic
Infection and immunity status of the population are considered key parameters for handling pandemics. For this purpose, detecting antigens and antibodies is of great importance. The devices currently used for this purpose - what are known as point-of-care (POC) devices- are one option for rapid screening. Their sensitivity, however, needs further improvement. Scientists at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) have been successful in such improvement by developing a nanobiosensor based on gold nanowires. Originally only intended for the detection of COVID-19-associated antigens and antibodies, the biosensor is also transferable to other biomarkers.
Image of the complete sensor including a PDMS well of 100 μL volume for drop testing. The liquid sample of interest is dispensed in the well and allowed to incubate.
HZDR/Sandoval Bojorquez
It is by now known from numerous studies that for detecting SARS-CoV-2, what are referred to as POC lateral flow tests (LFT) are a good and precise alternative to the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, commonly known as PCR tests. The numerous advantages of LFT over PCR testing include rapid detection, on-site testing, low cost, and operation without laboratory equipment.
The greatest shortcoming of POC biosensors, however, is that their sensitivity is dependent on viral load. At a high viral load, sensitivity is one hundred percent, whereas at a low viral load, sensitivity may fall below ten percent. This can lead to false negative test results. The HZDR researchers’ aim was to develop sensor systems that can also be used for detecting low virus loads while providing quick and accurate results.
To do so, Dr. Larysa Baraban and her team at the HZDR-Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research utilized nano wires made of gold, which can be employed to detect various biomolecules such as enzymes, proteins and antibodies. This approach was combined with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, a technique that provides information on various processes at the electrode-electrolyte interface, including charge transfer, diffusion transport and formation of an electrical double layer, as well as on the properties of the measurement system. This includes solution resistance and roughness or porosity of the electrode surface.
“In our work, we have developed a nanoscopic biosensor chip consisting of six pairs of interlocking gold nanowire devices for detecting SARS-CoV-2 antigens and antibodies,” says Baraban of the project. “This makes it possible to detect both COVID-19-associated antigens and corresponding antibodies that appear during and after infection with the virus. We assume that the method is also transferable to other biomarkers and pathogens. The functional layer targeting the biomolecule must be modified accordingly for this purpose.”
Considerations and discussions are currently underway with the industry on how the sensor can be manufactured in large quantities at low cost.
Original publication
Impedimetric Nanobiosensor for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Antigens and Antibodies Diana Isabel Sandoval Bojórquez,Željko Janićijević, Brenda Palestina Romero, Eduardo Sergio Oliveros Mata, Markus Laube, Anja Feldmann, Alexandra Kegler, Laura Drewitz, Ciarán Fowley, Jens Pietzsch, Juergen Fassbender, Torsten Tonn, Michael Bachmann, and Larysa Baraban
Other news from the department science
These products might interest you
Octet R2 / Octet R4 / Octet R8 by Sartorius
Full power on 2, 4 or 8 channels: Label-free and GxP-compliant analysis of molecular interactions
Innovative label-free real-time protein quantification, binding kinetics and rapid screenings
Octet SF3 by Sartorius
Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) using Single Dynamic Injections for Kinetics and Affinities
Curvature is Key - Adding a ‘Third Dimension’ to the Binding Curve
Octet RH16 and RH96 by Sartorius
Efficient protein analysis for process optimisation and manufacturing control in high-throughput
Label-free protein quantification and characterization of protein-protein interactions
Get the life science industry in your inbox
From now on, don't miss a thing: Our newsletter for biotechnology, pharma and life sciences brings you up to date every Tuesday and Thursday. The latest industry news, product highlights and innovations - compact and easy to understand in your inbox. Researched by us so you don't have to.
Most read news
More news from our other portals
See the theme worlds for related content
Topic World Spectroscopy
Investigation with spectroscopy gives us unique insights into the composition and structure of materials. From UV-Vis spectroscopy to infrared and Raman spectroscopy to fluorescence and atomic absorption spectroscopy, spectroscopy offers us a wide range of analytical techniques to precisely characterize substances. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of spectroscopy!
Topic World Spectroscopy
Investigation with spectroscopy gives us unique insights into the composition and structure of materials. From UV-Vis spectroscopy to infrared and Raman spectroscopy to fluorescence and atomic absorption spectroscopy, spectroscopy offers us a wide range of analytical techniques to precisely characterize substances. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of spectroscopy!
Topic world Diagnostics
Diagnostics is at the heart of modern medicine and forms a crucial interface between research and patient care in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. It not only enables early detection and monitoring of disease, but also plays a central role in individualized medicine by enabling targeted therapies based on an individual's genetic and molecular signature.
Topic world Diagnostics
Diagnostics is at the heart of modern medicine and forms a crucial interface between research and patient care in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. It not only enables early detection and monitoring of disease, but also plays a central role in individualized medicine by enabling targeted therapies based on an individual's genetic and molecular signature.
