New COVID-19 Test Uses Nanotube-Based Electrochemical Biosensor for Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Virus in 30 Seconds
|
By LabMedica International staff writers Posted on 16 Oct 2020 |
|
Image: Testing a nanotube-based electrochemical biosensor (Photo courtesy of University of Nevada)
A new COVID-19 rapid test that uses a nanotube-based electrochemical biosensor has shown successful lab results by detecting the SARS-CoV-2 virus in about 30 seconds.
Engineers and virologists at the University of Nevada (Reno, NV, USA) have teamed up to develop a novel COVID-19 testing approach based on a similar technology used in the past for detecting tuberculosis and colorectal cancer as well as detection of biomarkers for food safety. Using their expertise in detecting a specific biomarker in the breath of tuberculosis patients using a metal functionalized nano sensor, the researchers have developed a SARS-CoV-2 test that does not require a blood sample and is run using a nasal swab or even exhaled breath, which has biomarkers of COVID-19. The developed approach also has the potential for diagnosis of other respiratory viral diseases by identifying appropriate metallic elements to functionalize nanotubes.
The researchers first synthesized and prepared the antigenic protein of COVID-19 virus in their laboratory, SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain protein, for the preliminary testing and determining the sensitivity of the nano sensor. The team developed co-metal functionalized nanotubes as a sensing material for electrochemical detection of the protein. They confirmed the biosensor’s potential for clinical application by directly analyzing the RBD of the Spike glycoprotein on the sensor. The team now plans to move to the next step of sensor validation on the actual COVID-19 patients swabs stored in the Viral Transport Medium (VTM) and have applied for funding to develop a specific and inexpensive point-of-care sensor for a rapid detection of COVID-19 virus in saliva or breath of infected individuals.
“This is Point of Care testing to assess the exposure to COVID-19. We do not need a laboratory setting or trained health care workers to administer the test. Electrochemical biosensors are advantageous for sensing purposes as they are sensitive, accurate and simple,” said Professor Misra, in the University’s College of Engineering Chemical and Materials Department.
Related Links:
University of Nevada
Engineers and virologists at the University of Nevada (Reno, NV, USA) have teamed up to develop a novel COVID-19 testing approach based on a similar technology used in the past for detecting tuberculosis and colorectal cancer as well as detection of biomarkers for food safety. Using their expertise in detecting a specific biomarker in the breath of tuberculosis patients using a metal functionalized nano sensor, the researchers have developed a SARS-CoV-2 test that does not require a blood sample and is run using a nasal swab or even exhaled breath, which has biomarkers of COVID-19. The developed approach also has the potential for diagnosis of other respiratory viral diseases by identifying appropriate metallic elements to functionalize nanotubes.
The researchers first synthesized and prepared the antigenic protein of COVID-19 virus in their laboratory, SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain protein, for the preliminary testing and determining the sensitivity of the nano sensor. The team developed co-metal functionalized nanotubes as a sensing material for electrochemical detection of the protein. They confirmed the biosensor’s potential for clinical application by directly analyzing the RBD of the Spike glycoprotein on the sensor. The team now plans to move to the next step of sensor validation on the actual COVID-19 patients swabs stored in the Viral Transport Medium (VTM) and have applied for funding to develop a specific and inexpensive point-of-care sensor for a rapid detection of COVID-19 virus in saliva or breath of infected individuals.
“This is Point of Care testing to assess the exposure to COVID-19. We do not need a laboratory setting or trained health care workers to administer the test. Electrochemical biosensors are advantageous for sensing purposes as they are sensitive, accurate and simple,” said Professor Misra, in the University’s College of Engineering Chemical and Materials Department.
Related Links:
University of Nevada
Gold Member
Flu SARS-CoV-2 Combo Test
OSOM® Flu SARS-CoV-2 Combo Test
Steam Sterilizer
Hi Vac II Line
Electrolyte Analyzer
BKE-B
Latest COVID-19 News
- New Immunosensor Paves Way to Rapid POC Testing for COVID-19 and Emerging Infectious Diseases
- Long COVID Etiologies Found in Acute Infection Blood Samples
- Novel Device Detects COVID-19 Antibodies in Five Minutes
- CRISPR-Powered COVID-19 Test Detects SARS-CoV-2 in 30 Minutes Using Gene Scissors
- Gut Microbiome Dysbiosis Linked to COVID-19
- Novel SARS CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test Validated for Diagnostic Accuracy
- New COVID + Flu + R.S.V. Test to Help Prepare for `Tripledemic`
- AI Takes Guesswork Out Of Lateral Flow Testing
- Fastest Ever SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test Designed for Non-Invasive COVID-19 Testing in Any Setting
- Rapid Antigen Tests Detect Omicron, Delta SARS-CoV-2 Variants
- Health Care Professionals Showed Increased Interest in POC Technologies During Pandemic, Finds Study
- Set Up Reserve Lab Capacity Now for Faster Response to Next Pandemic, Say Researchers
- Blood Test Performed During Initial Infection Predicts Long COVID Risk
- Low-Cost COVID-19 Testing Platform Combines Sensitivity of PCR and Speed of Antigen Tests
- Finger-Prick Blood Test Identifies Immunity to COVID-19
- Quick Test Kit Determines Immunity Against COVID-19 and Its Variants
Channels
Clinical Chemistry
view channel
New Machine-Learning Equation Improves LDL Cholesterol Assessment
Accurate assessment of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is central to cardiovascular risk management, yet calculation methods can underestimate values in some patients. Laboratories widely use... Read more
Blood Biomarker May Signal Cognitive Decline Risk a Decade Before Symptoms
Accurately identifying which cognitively healthy older adults will later develop impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease remains difficult, as brain scans and genetic testing provide only part of the risk picture.... Read more
Molecular Diagnostics
view channel
Blood-Based Biomarker Panel Outperforms Existing Liver Disease Tests
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a leading cause of chronic liver dysfunction, affecting about one in three adults. Diagnosis often occurs late and still relies in part... Read more
HPV Assay Gains Expanded CE Mark for Self-Collected Vaginal Samples
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women and is largely preventable through vaccination and regular screening. However, even where organized screening programs exist, participation varies... Read more
Fully Automated Test Advances Hepatitis D Diagnosis and Monitoring
Hepatitis D virus infection can accelerate progression to cirrhosis and liver cancer, making timely diagnosis and longitudinal monitoring essential. Because hepatitis D depends on co-infection or superinfection... Read more
Blood Test Achieves Improved Detection of Advanced Precancerous Colorectal Lesions
Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, yet screening uptake remains suboptimal. More than 50 million eligible adults are not up to date with recommended... Read moreHematology
view channel
New Biomarkers Predict Resistance to Targeted Therapy in Rare Blood Cancer
Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare and aggressive leukemia with limited treatment options and a poor prognosis. Although tagraxofusp is the first approved targeted therapy for... Read more
AI Decision Support System Guides Treatment Selection for Complex Blood Cancers
Treatment selection for hematologic malignancies often requires clinicians to synthesize clinical histories, genomic alterations, prior therapies, and rapidly evolving drug options. These complex decisions... Read more
Immunology
view channel
Cell-Free Assay Detects Functional IgE for Food Allergy Diagnosis
Accurately distinguishing sensitization from clinically relevant food allergy remains a challenge for laboratories, as routine blood tests detect allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) but not its capacity... Read more
Diagnostic Models Detect Hidden Eye Abnormalities After Mild COVID-19
Persistent ocular symptoms after COVID-19 can severely affect reading, work, and daily tasks, yet standard eye exams often reveal no clear abnormalities. Patients experiencing photophobia, eye pain, and... Read more
Anti-Lipid Antibody Biomarkers May Identify Early Lyme Disease and Persistent Symptoms
Lyme disease is often missed during its earliest and most treatable stage, while current serologic assays cannot distinguish active infection from prior exposure. Nearly half a million Americans are diagnosed... Read more
Microbiology
view channel
Syndromic GI Panel Detects Cyclospora for Rapid Case Confirmation
U.S. health authorities have reported a rapid increase in cyclosporiasis since May 2026, with more than 1,600 confirmed infections and thousands of additional suspected cases under investigation.... Read more
Rapid Panel Identifies Gram-Negative Pathogens and Resistance Markers in Bloodstream Infections
Bloodstream infections require rapid identification of causative pathogens and resistance mechanisms to guide effective therapy. Delays in profiling gram-negative organisms, which are frequently associated... Read more
Pathology
view channel
Imaging Platform Maps Lipid Accumulations in Fabry Heart Tissue
Mapping the spatial distribution of disease-relevant molecules within tissue remains a diagnostic challenge, particularly before alterations are visible by conventional microscopy. In Fabry disease, a... Read more
AI Tissue Imaging Helps Guide Targeted Therapy for Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death, and many patients require rapid genotyping to guide targeted therapy selection. Current workflows often rely on molecular tests that are costly,... Read more
Technology
view channel
Training Device Improves Accuracy of Pooled Molecular Diagnostics
High-throughput molecular diagnostics have transformed infectious disease detection, but many workflows remain difficult to execute accurately without extensive training. Sample pooling can cut per‑test... Read more
New CE-Certified Software Advances Whole-Genome Cancer Testing
European hospitals are increasingly using comprehensive tumor genomics to guide therapy, but routine whole genome sequencing (WGS) requires validated, regulation-compliant workflows. A newly CE-certified... Read more
National Rare Disease Registry Standardizes Genetic and Clinical Data for Coordinated Care
Rare diseases collectively impose a significant clinical burden despite their individual rarity, often involving multisystem presentations and prolonged diagnostic journeys. Limited specialist expertise... Read more
Industry
view channel
Leica Biosystems to Expand Pathology Portfolio Through StatLab Acquisition
Leica Biosystems, an operating company of Danaher, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire privately held StatLab Medical Products from Linden Capital Partners and Audax Private Equity.... Read more
