Novel Biosensing Platform Promises Practical and Precise Point-of-Care Virus Detection
Novel Biosensing Platform Promises Practical and Precise Point-of-Care Virus Detection lead image
Since the advent of COVID-19, the demand for rapid and reliable virus detection methods has produced a variety of “lab-on-a-chip” platforms for point-of-care (POC), including those with optical biosensors to indicate analyte detection. Despite significant advances, the emergence of new variants introduces a constant stream of new challenges. The Omicron variant, for example, is of lesser severity than earlier strains and therefore can be harder to differentiate from other infectious diseases with similar symptoms, such as the common cold or seasonal flu.
To address the challenges posed by diverse and atypical clinical manifestations, Ning et al. developed an optical biosensing platform using subwavelength grating micro-ring resonators. The resonators include large sensing regions that increase photon-matter interaction, not only on the topside but also on the sidewall – and they can detect multiple analytes simultaneously with one chip.
“In designing a POC platform for quantitative detection, we aimed to develop a device that is clinically practical, highly accurate, and can integrate with digital systems,” says author Ray Chen. “To achieve this, we designed a microfluidic chip that supports dual-channel concurrent detection and a 3D-printed chip holder for improved convenience and reliability in clinical testing.”
The researchers demonstrated their platform’s ability to quantitatively detect the concentration of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with a limit of detection of 100 fg/mL. Moreover, they confirmed the high specificity of the optical detection assay through cross-validation of SARS-CoV-2/influenza antigens and their corresponding antibodies.
“To further facilitate clinical POC testing, we’re currently working on developing a portable digital system based on this technology that will simplify the operation process and improve its reliability,” says Chen.
Source: “A point-of-care biosensor for rapid detection and differentiation of COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza virus using subwavelength grating micro-ring resonator,” by Shupeng Ning, Hao-Chen Chang, Kang-Chieh Fan, Po-yu Hsiao, Chenghao Feng, Devan Shoemaker, and Ray T. Chena, Applied Physics Reviews (2023). The article can be accessed at http://doi.org/10.1063/5.0146079 .
This paper is part of the Materials and Technologies for Bioimaging and Biosensing Collection, learn more here.
