Development of fluorescent lateral flow immunoassay for SARS-CoV-2-specific IgM and IgG based on aggregation-induced emission carbon dots

Abstract

Understanding the dynamic changes in antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of the vaccine and the stage for the recovery of the COVID-19 disease. A rapid and accurate method for the detection of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies is still urgently needed. Here, we developed a novel fluorescent lateral flow immunoassay (LFA) platform for the detection of SARS-CoV-2-specific IgM and IgG by the aggregation-induced emission carbon dots conjugated with the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (SSP). The aggregation-induced emission carbon dots (AIE-CDs) are one of the best prospect fluorescent probe materials for exhibiting high emission efficiency in both aggregate and solid states. The AIE-CDs were synthesized and displayed dual fluorescence emission, which provides a new perspective for the design of a high sensitivity testing system. In this work, the novel LFA platform adopted the AIE carbon dots, which are used to detect SARS-CoV-2-specific IgM and IgG conveniently. Furthermore, this sensor had a low LOD of 100 pg/ml. Therefore, this newly developed strategy has potential applications in the areas of public health for the advancement of clinical research.

Inorganic nanoparticles‐based strategies for the microbial detection in infectious diseases

“…This method employed CDs conjugated to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, achieving detection limits as low as 100 pg/mL, showcasing the potential of CDs in sensitive and specific diagnostic applications. 27 2.1.2 | Graphene quantum dots Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are made from a single graphene layer and cut into tiny disc-like pieces with diameters typically between 2 and 20 nm. They are primarily composed of crystallized sp 2 -hybridized carbon atoms.…”

The Emergence of Carbon Nanomaterials as Effective Nano-Avenues to Fight against COVID-19

“…Aggregation-induced emission carbon dots were found to be one of the most promising fluorescent probe materials because they display excellent emission efficiency in both aggregate and solid forms [ 18 ]. This phenomenon was explored by Ju et al [ 19 ] to construct a unique fluorescent lateral flow immunoassay (LFA) platform for the identification of SARS-CoV-2-specific IgM and IgG. The carbodiimide process coupled the SARS-CoV-2 S protein with aggregation-induced emission carbon dots to create the fluorescent complex.…”

Immunochromatographic enhancement strategy for SARS-CoV-2 detection based on nanotechnology

“…Ju et al synthesized an AIE-carbon dot with high emission efficiency in both aggregate and solid states to simultaneously detect anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG. 92 The dual-target LFIA biosensor had a LOD as low as 100 pg mL −1 . Similarly, Chen et al developed an AIE-LFIA for the simultaneous detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG.…”