Discovery of DNA aptamers targeting SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein and protein-binding epitopes for label-free COVID-19 diagnostics.

ABSTRACT: The spread of COVID-19 has affected billions of people across the globe, and the diagnosis of viral infection still needs improvement. Because of high immunogenicity and abundant expression during viral infection, SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein could be an important diagnostic marker. This study aimed to develop a label-free optical aptasensor fabricated with a novel single-stranded DNA aptamer to detect the N protein. The N-binding aptamers selected using asymmetric-emulsion PCR-SELEX and their binding affinity and cross-reactivity were characterized by biolayer interferometry. The tNSP3 aptamer (44 nt) was identified to bind the N protein of wild type and Delta and Omicron variants with high affinity (K_D in the range of 0.6-3.5 nM). Utilizing tNSP3 to detect the N protein

SUBMITTER: Poolsup S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9927813 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature