Colorimetric Immunossensor for SARS-CoV-2 Detection in Saliva
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic methods for SARS-CoV-2 detection, such as RT-PCR and lateral flow assays, face challenges due to complexity, instrumentation requirements, and low sensitivity, particularly when using oral biological samples like saliva and sputum, which are difficult to analyze due to high salt concentrations and mucosal interference.
Innovation Solution
A colorimetric immunosensor using gold nanoparticles that detect SARS-CoV-2 virions in oral samples by specific antibody-antigen interaction, leveraging Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) for cluster formation and optical parameter changes, allowing for rapid, sensitive, and specific detection without sophisticated equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RT-PCR is used for SARS-CoV-2 detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but device complexity and instrumentation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and electronic instrumentation systems with a simple optical detection system based on colorimetric changes. The immunosensor uses gold nanoparticles that undergo visible color changes upon binding SARS-CoV-2, eliminating the need for sophisticated RT-PCR instrumentation while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs colorimetric detection using gold nanoparticles that exhibit distinct color changes when they bind to SARS-CoV-2 antigens. This visual color change provides a simple, instrumentation-free method to detect the virus, resolving the contradiction between sensitivity and device complexity
2Ease of operation
If lateral flow assays are used for SARS-CoV-2 detection, then ease of operation is improved, but detection sensitivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameters by using colorimetric readout with gold nanoparticles instead of the traditional lateral flow visual lines. This parameter change enhances sensitivity while preserving the simplicity of operation, as the color change is more distinct and quantifiable than lateral flow lines
3Ease of operation
If oral samples are used for SARS-CoV-2 detection, then ease of sampling is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to salt concentration and mucosal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable gold nanoparticle-based test strips that are single-use. This disposable approach eliminates the need for complex sample preparation and processing, allowing direct testing of oral samples while maintaining accuracy through the robust colorimetric detection mechanism that is not affected by sample matrix variations
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 in oral samples with high sensitivity and specificity, reducing costs and sample volume requirements, and overcoming the limitations of existing methods by using a simple, effective, and robust gold nanoparticle-based biosensor.
Implementation Method 1
colorimetric biosensors based on gold nanoparticles, which use a physical property of gold nanoparticles, designated as Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR), to monitor the colour change when different-size clusters are formed following the interaction between the analyte to be detected and the gold nanoparticles
Implementation Method 2
contacting said biological sample with a colloidal suspension of gold capture nanoparticles carrying on their surface at least one antibody capable of binding a SARS-CoV-2 surface antigen... determining the formation of a cluster of gold nanoparticles on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virion in the reaction mixture, said cluster resulting from the interaction between said antibody and said antigen
Data Source
AI summary
An in vitro method and a kit for detecting the SARS-CoV-2 virion using a colorimetric immunosensor in an oral biological sample selected from saliva and sputum are provided. The method and kit are based on the use of gold capture nanoparticles carrying on their surface at least one antibody capable of binding a SARS-CoV-2 surface antigen.