• Sensor for faster, more accurate COVID-1

    From ScienceDaily@1:317/3 to All on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 22:30:38
    Sensor for faster, more accurate COVID-19 tests

    Date:
    March 29, 2022
    Source:
    Johns Hopkins University
    Summary:
    Researchers say the sensor combines accuracy levels approaching
    that of PCR testing with the speed of rapid antigen tests, and
    could be used for mass testing at airports, schools, and hospitals.



    FULL STORY ==========================================================================
    A COVID-19 sensor developed at Johns Hopkins University could
    revolutionize virus testing by adding accuracy and speed to a process
    that frustrated many during the pandemic.


    ==========================================================================
    In a new study published today in Nano Letters, the researchers describe
    the new sensor, which requires no sample preparation and minimal operator expertise, offering a strong advantage over existing testing methods, especially for population-wide testing.

    "The technique is as simple as putting a drop of saliva on our device and getting a negative or a positive result," said Ishan Barman, an associate professor of mechanical engineering, who along with David Gracias, a
    professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, are senior authors
    of the study. "The key novelty is that this is a label-free technique,
    which means no additional chemical modifications like molecular labeling
    or antibody functionalization are required. This means the sensor could eventually be used in wearable devices." Barman says the new technology,
    which is not yet available on the market, addresses the limitations of
    the two most widely used types of COVID-19 tests: PCR and rapid tests.

    PCR tests are highly accurate, but require complicated sample preparation,
    with results taking hours or even days to process in a laboratory. On
    the other hand, rapid tests, which look for the existence of antigens,
    are less successful at detecting early infections and asymptomatic cases,
    and can lead to erroneous results.

    The sensor is nearly as sensitive as a PCR test and as convenient as a
    rapid antigen test. During initial testing, the sensor demonstrated 92% accuracy at detecting SARS-COV-2 in saliva samples -- comparable to
    that of PCR tests. The sensor was also highly successful at rapidly
    determining the presence of other viruses, including H1N1 and Zika.



    ==========================================================================
    The sensor is based on large area nanoimprint lithography, surface
    enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and machine learning. It can be used
    for mass testing in disposable chip formats or on rigid or flexible
    surfaces.

    Key to the method is the large-area, flexible field enhancing metal
    insulator antenna (FEMIA) array developed by the Gracias lab. The saliva
    sample is placed on the material and analyzed using surface-enhanced
    Raman spectroscopy, which employs laser light to examine how molecules
    of the examined specimen vibrate.

    Because the nanostructured FEMIA strengthens the virus's Raman signal significantly, the system can rapidly detect the presence of a virus,
    even if only small traces exist in the sample. Another major innovation of
    the system is the use of advanced machine learning algorithms to detect
    very subtle signatures in the spectroscopic data that allow researchers
    to pinpoint the presence and concentration of the virus.

    "Label-free optical detection, combined with machine learning, allows us
    to have a single platform that can test for a wide range of viruses with enhanced sensitivity and selectivity, with a very fast turnaround,"
    said lead author Debadrita Paria, who worked on the research as a
    post-doctoral fellow of Mechanical Engineering.

    The sensor material can be placed on any type of surface, from doorknobs
    and building entrances to masks and textiles.

    "Using state of the art nanoimprint fabrication and transfer printing we
    have realized highly precise, tunable, and scalable nanomanufacturing
    of both rigid and flexible COVID sensor substrates, which is important
    for future implementation not just on chip-based biosensors but also wearables," said Gracias.



    ==========================================================================
    He says the sensor could potentially be integrated with a hand-held
    testing device for fast screenings at crowded places like airports
    or stadiums.

    "Our platform goes beyond the current COVID-19 pandemic," said Barman. "We
    can use this for broad testing against different viruses, for instance,
    to differentiate between SARS-CoV-2 and H1N1, and even variants. This is
    a major issue that can't be readily addressed by current rapid tests."
    The team continues working to further develop and test the technology
    with patient samples. Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures has applied
    for patents on the intellectual property associated it and the team is
    pursuing license and commercialization opportunities.

    Authors include: Kam Sang (Mark) Kwok, a graduate student in Chemical
    and Biomolecular Engineering; Piyush Raj, a graduate student; and Peng
    Zheng, a post-doctoral fellow in Mechanical Engineering.

    The research was supported by a National Science Foundation's
    Early-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER) program and the
    National Institute of Health Director's New Innovator award.


    ========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by Johns_Hopkins_University. Original
    written by Catherine Graham. Note: Content may be edited for style
    and length.


    ========================================================================== Journal Reference:
    1. Dilip Kumar Agarwal, Vikas Nandwana, Stephen E. Henrich, Vara
    Prasad V.N.

    Josyula, C. Shad Thaxton, Chao Qi, Lacy M. Simons, Judd
    F. Hultquist, Egon A. Ozer, Gajendra S. Shekhawat, Vinayak
    P. Dravid. Highly sensitive and ultra-rapid antigen-based detection
    of SARS-CoV-2 using nanomechanical sensor platform. Biosensors and
    Bioelectronics, 2022; 195: 113647 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2021.113647 ==========================================================================

    Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/03/220329114744.htm

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