SARS-CoV-2 Aptasensors Based on Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy and Low-Cost Gold Electrode Substrates.

SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic practices broadly involve either quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)-based nucleic amplification of viral sequences or antigen-based tests such as lateral flow assays (LFAs). Reverse transcriptase-qPCR can detect viral RNA and is the gold standard for sensitivity. However, the technique is time-consuming and requires expensive laboratory infrastructure and trained staff.

An electrochemical SARS-CoV-2 biosensor inspired by glucose test strip manufacturing processes.

Accurate and rapid diagnostic tests are critical to reducing the impact of SARS-CoV-2. This study presents early, but promising measurements of SARS-CoV-2 using the ACE2 enzyme as the recognition element to achieve clinically relevant detection. The test provides a scalable route to sensitive, specific, rapid and low cost mass testing.