Despite significant and surprising advances in vaccine technology, the global COVID-19 pandemic is not over. A key challenge in restricting the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is identifying those infected. Japanese researchers have developed a new antibody-based approach to the immediate and reliable detection of SARS-CoV-2 that does not require a blood sample. The study is published in Scientific Reports.
A preferred and complementary approach for confirmation of COVID-19 infection is the detection of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies. Lately, gold nanoparticle-based test strips are widely used for point-of-care testing in many countries. They produce sensitive and reliable effects in 10 to 20 minutes, however, they require blood samples taken through a finger prick with a lancing device. This is painful and increases the threat of infection or cross-contamination, and the kit parts used pose a potential biohazard threat.
The researchers said that to expand a minimally invasive chopped onion control that would avoid those drawbacks, they explored the concept of sampling and control of interstitial fluid (ISF), which is found in the layers of the epidermis and dermis. of human skin. Although antibody levels in the interstitial fluid are about 15% to 25% of those in the blood, it was still possible to stumble upon anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM/IgG antibodies and that the ISF could act as a direct blood replacement. sampling. Array
After demonstrating that interstitial fluid can be suitable for antibody detection, the researchers developed a state-of-the-art technique for modeling and controlling interstitial fluid. They first developed microneedles of biodegradable porous polylactic acid that suck interstitial fluid from human skin. They then build an immunoassay-based biosensor article for the detection of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies. By integrating these two elements, the researchers created a compact patch capable of detecting antibodies at the site within 3 minutes (the result of in vitro controls).
This new screening device has a wonderful outlook for immediate testing for COVID-19 and many other infectious diseases that is appropriate for patients. It holds promise for use in many countries, regardless of their wealth, which is a key purpose for global infectious disease control, the authors concluded.
Reference: Bao, L. , Park, J. , Qin, B. et al. Detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM/IgG antibodies a sensor patch containing porous microneedles and a paper immunoassay. Scientific Report 12, 10693 (2022). https://doi. org/10. 1038/s41598-022-14725-6.
B. Sc Life Sciences, M. Sc Biotechnology, B. Ed