Science Daily, Beijing, January 31 (Reporter Liu Xia) — American scientists published a paper in the latest issue of Nature magazine, announcing that they have designed two biosensors based on viral proteins. These sensors will emit light when mixed with components of the novel coronavirus or antibodies targeting the virus. This breakthrough could enable faster and more widespread testing for COVID-19.
Currently, most medical laboratories primarily rely on reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) technology to diagnose COVID-19 infections. PCR technology amplifies the virus's genetic material, making it detectable. However, this technology requires specialized personnel and equipment, and supply chain shortages have severely limited testing capabilities in many countries and regions.
To directly detect the virus in patient samples without the need for gene amplification, a research team led by Professor David Baker from the Institute for Protein Design at the University of Washington designed a biosensor using computers. This sensor recognizes specific molecules on the virus's surface, binds to them, and then emits light through a biochemical reaction.
Antibody tests can reveal whether someone has previously been infected with the coronavirus, and scientists use this to track the spread of COVID-19. However, this test also requires complex laboratory equipment.
Given this, the research team also invented another biosensor that emits light when mixed with COVID-19 antibodies. Moreover, this biosensor does not react to other antibodies in the blood, including those targeting other viruses, which is crucial to avoid false positives.
Professor Baker said, “We have already demonstrated in the lab that these new sensors can easily detect viral proteins or antibodies in simulated nasal fluid or serum samples. Next, we will prove whether they can be reliably used in diagnostic settings.”
The research team also stated that, in addition to detecting COVID-19, these biosensors could be used to detect other human proteins, such as Her2 (a biomarker and treatment target for some breast cancers) and Bcl-2 (clinically significant in lymphomas and some other cancers), as well as bacterial toxins and antibody viruses related to hepatitis B.
