Highly Sensitive Flexible SERS-Based Sensing Platform for Detection of COVID-19

Abstract

COVID-19 continues to spread and has been declared a global emergency. Individuals with current or past infection should be identified as soon as possible to prevent the spread of disease. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is an analytical technique that has the potential to be used to detect viruses at the site of therapy. In this context, SERS is an exciting technique because it provides a fingerprint for any material. It has been used with many COVID-19 virus subtypes, including Deltacron and Omicron, a novel coronavirus. Moreover, flexible SERS substrates, due to their unique advantages of sensitivity and flexibility, have recently attracted growing research interest in real-world applications such as medicine. Reviewing the latest flexible SERS-substrate developments is crucial for the further development of quality detection platforms. This article discusses the ultra-responsive detection methods used by flexible SERS substrate. Multiplex assays that combine ultra-responsive detection methods with their unique biomarkers and/or biomarkers for secondary diseases triggered by the development of infection are critical, according to this study. In addition, we discuss how flexible SERS-substrate-based ultrasensitive detection methods could transform disease diagnosis, control, and surveillance in the future. This study is believed to help researchers design and manufacture flexible SERS substrates with higher performance and lower cost, and ultimately better understand practical applications.

A review of cardiac troponin I detection by surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy: Under the spotlight of point-of-care testing

“…Portability, autonomy, simplicity of use, fingerprint information, speed, little or no sample preparation, and the possibility of evaluation of samples with different moisture content or in different states of matter, are attributes that come from the instrumentation and from the Raman technique itself. It also opens the possibility of conducting different types of analysis (qualitative/quantitative, multiplex/monoplex, dry/wet, label free/label based and independent/simultaneous) by changing the strategies and the analysis system ( Xu et al, 2019 ; Wang T. et al, 2021 ; Mousavi et al, 2022 ). Despite the merits of SERS that predict its excellent performance in POCT, there are limitations that hinder its real-life application in this area: 1) elevated cost of the Raman spectrometer compared to routine analytical instruments such as fluorescence and UV/vis spectrometers; 2) the need for lasers of different wavelengths to analyze a wide range of analytes, which low the technique throughput; 3) poor reproducibility and repeatability of experimental data.…”

The Pivotal Role of Quantum Dots-Based Biomarkers Integrated with Ultra-Sensitive Probes for Multiplex Detection of Human Viral Infections

“…Although the term biomarker is relatively new, it has been used extensively in clinical research and detection [ 13 , 14 ]. In addition to expanding methods for detecting infectious diseases, there is an increasing need to find biomarkers based on QDs with higher sensitivity and the ability to determine the extent and course of disease activity.…”

Biomedical Applications of an Ultra-Sensitive Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensor Based on Smart MXene Quantum Dots (SMQDs)

“…Numerous nanomaterials, including metal NP and transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) NP, are being investigated for the development of SPR biosensors [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. Although metal NPs have been more commonly used in the past [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ], after the discovery of carbon nanomaterials, such as graphene, these nanomaterials showed a more efficient performance than current metal NPs [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ], and their biocompatibility can render them suitable for monitoring cell-size conditions [ 24 , 25 , 26 ]. However, the development of new nanomaterials for SPR biosensors is possible because the demand for nanomaterials with exceptional properties and efficient performance is constantly increasing.…”