Ultrafast one-minute electronic detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection by 3CL^pro enzymatic activity in untreated saliva samples.

ABSTRACT: Since its onset in December 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2, has caused over 6.5 million deaths worldwide as of October 2022. Attempts to curb viral transmission rely heavily on reliable testing to detect infections since a large number of transmissions are carried through asymptomatic individuals. Many available detection methods fall short in terms of reliability or point-of-care applicability. Here, we report an electrochemical approach targeting a viral proteolytic enzyme, 3CLpro, as a marker of active infection. We detect proteolytic activity directly from untreated saliva within one minute of sample incubation using a reduction-oxidation pH indicator. Importantly, clinical tests of saliva samples from 50 subjects show accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2

SUBMITTER: Borberg E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9605950 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature