Faster, cheaper test for Covid-19

In August 2020, the nanotechnology research team of the University of Georgia participated in the rapid test development competition for the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19 virus) and conducted experiments on a new sensor for a US manufacturing company

In March 2022, the team filed a patent application and published the first paper on rapid detection of COVID-19 using a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) viral sensor based on human angiotensin switching Enzyme 2 protein (ACE2) functionalized silver nanotriangular arrays were developed

The sensor has high sensitivity and specificity for the spike protein RBD of SARS-CoV-2 and human coronavirus NL63

"Currently, there are rapid antigen test kits on the market, but the biggest problem is still the high false-positive rate (about 60 percent)," said Yanjun Yang, a doctoral student in the University of Georgia School of Engineering and first author of the new paper.

"Our technique, which is also in the quick kit, but uses a spectrometer for detection, is more accurate

This swab-based rapid detection method, developed by Zhao's team, uses a UV spectrometer to detect spike proteins

"The method we developed will have better sensing performance than the rapid test kit and is very close to the PCR test currently used," said Prof.

Zhao's lab is building on this work to develop a sub-$10 detector with sensors that will connect to a smartphone app

"The LSPR sensor has several advantages for the rapid diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 (CoV2)

"It was a great experience working with biologists to develop this technology," Yang said

The research was published in the journal Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical

Courtesy of the University of Georgia