Toward Rapid and Sensitive Detection of SARS-CoV-2 with Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles

Abstract

The outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) threatens global medical systems and economies and rules our daily living life. Controlling the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 has become one of the most important and urgent strategies throughout the whole world. As of October 2020, there have not yet been any medicines or therapies to be effective against SARS-CoV-2. Thus, rapid and sensitive diagnostics is the most important measures to control the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2. Homogeneous biosensing based on magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) is one of the most promising approaches for rapid and highly sensitive detection of biomolecules. This paper proposes an approach for rapid and sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 with functionalized MNPs via the measurement of their magnetic response in an ac magnetic field. For proof of concept, mimic SARS-CoV-2 consisting of spike proteins and polystyrene beads are used for experiments. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach allows the rapid detection of mimic SARS-CoV-2 with a limit of detection of 0.084 nM (5.9 fmole). The proposed approach has great potential for designing a low-cost and point-of-care device for rapid and sensitive diagnostics of SARS-CoV-2.

Nanobiotechnology as a platform for the diagnosis of COVID-19: a review

“…A functionalized magnetic nanoparticle (MNPs) using S-protein was proposed for the detection of SARS-CoV 2 using a mimic SARS-CoV 2 consisting of spike proteins and polystyrene beads (Fig. 13) [247]. The method depends Figure reprinted with permission from Ref.…”

“…13). This method offered rapid and sensitive detection of SARS-CoV 2 with a LOD of 0.084 nM (5.9 fmoles) [247].…”

“…Principle of magnetic field changes using (a) functionalized MNPs with and without (b) mimic SARS-CoV 2, and (c) the MPS signals response with and without mimic virus.Figure reprintedwith permission from Ref [247]…”

The latest strategies in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic: the role of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles

“…Also, another major advantage of these biosensors based on magnetic nanoparticles compared to others, is the possibility of the acceleration of the antigen-antibody reaction kinetics through the manipulation of the functionalized particles via external magnetic field gradients. 46…”

Magnetic nanoparticles: an emerging nano-based tool to fight against viral infections

“…It allows the extraction of a highly pure and adequate amount of RNA, for an accurate diagnosis.Similarly, Bandyopadhyay and colleagues at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in collaboration with St. Olavs Hospital developed a silica-coated MNPsbased viral RNA extraction procedure that could expedite the diagnostic test for COVID19 141. On the other hand, Zhong and colleagues have developed SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibodyfunctionalized MNPs as sensors for rapid and sensitive detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus 104. Here, the surface of MNPs was coated with antibodies for the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.…”