This detection method uses plasmonic photothermal effect and localized surface plasmon resonance. It could be a faster and cheaper alternative to RT-PCR method. Au nanomaterials are used to sense hybridized cDNAs of the virus.

Smith College

Plasmonic Photothermal (PTT)-based Diagnosis for COVID-19

Combining the excellent electrical and optical properties of nanomaterials with biological or synthetic molecules as receptors to detect selectively any kind of analyte, nanobiosensors are a valuable alternative to conventional diagnostic tools. 

- Graphene-based Field-Effect Transistor (FET) Biosensor

- Dual-Functional Plasmonic Biosensor

Paper/nanomaterial-based sensors, in general, and, particularly, NP-based lateral-flow devices that are observed with the naked eye or operated through a smartphone are now the most reported testing platforms for the analysis of COVID-19-related biomarkers. Nanopaper and nanochannels may also offer cost-efficient alternatives for detection of viruses and related biomarkers. 

Nanomaterials for COVID-19 Diagnosis

Weiss C, Carriere M, Fusco L, et al. Toward Nanotechnology-Enabled Approaches against the COVID-19 Pandemic. ACS Nano. 2020;14(6):6383-6406. doi:10.1021/acsnano.0c03697

Toward Nanotechnology-Enabled Approaches against the COVID-19 Pandemic

Dual-Functional Plasmonic Biosensor

"a FET sensor (modified with graphene sheets) that uses a specific antibody against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein was reported to detect SARS-CoV-2 in culture medium
(limit of detection, LOD: 1.6 × 101 pfu/mL) and clinical samples (LOD: 2.42 × 102 copies/mL)"

Graphene-based Field-Effect Transistor (FET) Biosensor

Affinity capture magnetic hydrogel particles can be used to capture SARS-CoV-2 from the saliva of a person who is being tested for the virus. In this method the virus is concentrated before the extraction of RNA occurs. Transport medium diagnostic remnant samples that have been tested before using previous methods help show that the method correctly identifies positive samples as well as improves the likelihood of detecting the virus in samples that contain a low percentage of COVID-19 positive patients. 

Nanotrap Particles 

The relationship between the gut microbiome and COVID-19 may be exploited as a diagnostic tool using nanotechnology in a variety of ways:
- Non-invasive breath tests: to “identify volatile organic compounds with the signatures of modulated microbiota”, allowing for detection of SARS-CoV-2. 
- Ingestible sensors: to detect inflammatory proteins associated with COVID-19 

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