Aptamer-Mediated Electrochemical Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein in Saliva

Autor: Ryan H. P. Siu, Robert G. Jesky, Yu-Jing Fan, Cyrus C. H. Au-Yeung, Andrew B. Kinghorn, Kwok-Hung Chan, Ivan Fan-Ngai Hung, Julian A. Tanner
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2024
Předmět:
Zdroj: Biosensors, Vol 14, Iss 10, p 471 (2024)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2079-6374
DOI: 10.3390/bios14100471
Popis: Gold standard detection of SARS-CoV-2 by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) can achieve ultrasensitive viral detection down to a few RNA copies per sample. Yet, the lengthy detection and labor-intensive protocol limit its effectiveness in community screening. In view of this, a structural switching electrochemical aptamer-based biosensor (E-AB) targeting the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein was developed. Four N protein-targeting aptamers were characterized on an electrochemical cell configuration using square wave voltammetry (SWV). The sensor was investigated in an artificial saliva matrix optimizing the aptamer anchoring orientation, SWV interrogation frequency, and target incubation time. Rapid detection of the N protein was achieved within 5 min at a low nanomolar limit of detection (LOD) with high specificity. Specific N protein detection was also achieved in simulated positive saliva samples, demonstrating its feasibility for saliva-based rapid diagnosis. Further research will incorporate novel signal amplification strategies to improve sensitivity for early diagnosis.
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