Rapid detection of intact SARS-CoV-2 using designer DNA Nets and a pocket-size smartphone-linked fluorimeter.

ABSTRACT: Rapid, sensitive, and inexpensive point-of-care diagnosis is vital to controlling highly infectious diseases, including COVID-19. Here, we report the design and characterization of a compact fluorimeter called a "Virus Pod" (V-Pod) that enables sensitive self-testing of SARS-CoV-2 viral load in saliva. The rechargeable battery-operated device reads the fluorescence generated by Designer DNA Nanostructures (DDN) when they specifically interact with intact SARS-CoV-2 virions. DDNs are net-shaped self-assembling nucleic acid constructs that provide an array of highly specific aptamer-fluorescent quencher duplexes located at precise positions that match the pattern of spike proteins. The room-temperature assay is performed by mixing the test sample with DNA Net sensor in a conventional PCR tub

SUBMITTER: Lee H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10019040 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature