SARS-CoV-2 detection enabled by a portable and label-free photoelectrochemical genosensor using graphitic carbon nitride and gold nanoparticles

Author(s)

Catunda, Lucas Gomes da Silva ; do Prado, Thiago Martimiano ; de Oliveira, Tassia Regina ; dos Santos, Daniel Junior Almeida ; Gomes, Nathalia Oezau ; Correa, Daniel Souza ; Faria, Ronaldo Censi ; Machado, Sergio Antonio Spinola

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Electrochimica Acta; v. 451, p. 10-pg., 2023-03-27.

Abstract

Fast, sensitive, simple, and cheap sensors are highly desirable to be applied in the health system because they improve point-of-care diagnostics, which can reduce the number of cases of infection or even deaths. In this context, here we report the development of a label-free genosensor using a screen-printed electrode modified with 2D-carbonylated graphitic carbon nitride (c-g-C3N4), poly(diallyldimethylammonium) chloride (PDDA), and glutathione-protected gold nanoparticles (GSH-AuNPs) for photoelectrochemical (PEC) detection of SARS-CoV-2. We also made use of Arduino and 3D printing to miniaturize the sensor device. The electrode surface was characterized by AFM and SEM techniques, and the gold nanoparticles by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. For SARS-CoV-2 detection, capture probe DNA was immobilized on the electrode surface. The hybridization of the final genosensor was tested with a synthetic single-strand DNA target and with natural saliva samples using the photoelectrochemistry method. The device presented a linear range from 1 to 10,000 fmol L-1 and a limit of detection of 2.2 and 3.4 fmol L-1 using cpDNA 1A and 3A respectively. The sensibility and accuracy found for the genosensor using cpDNA 1A using biological samples were 93.3 and 80% respectively, indicating the potential of the label-free and portable genosensor to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in saliva samples. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 22/02164-0 - Development of electrochemical sensors modified with hollow carbon nanospheres doped with sulfur and nitrogen for the quantification of drugs in supply water samples
• Grantee: Sergio Antonio Spinola Machado
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 20/04635-4 - Development of a simple and affordable disposable device for rapid diagnosis of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)
• Grantee: Ronaldo Censi Faria
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/22214-6 - Towards a convergence of technologies: from sensing and biosensing to information visualization and machine learning for data analysis in clinical diagnosis
• Grantee: Osvaldo Novais de Oliveira Junior
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 20/09587-8 - Development of electrochemical devices based on carbon and silver nanostructures to detect endocrine disruptors in quantities of water supply
• Grantee: Nathalia Oezau Gomes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 20/07539-6 - Development of a simple and affordable disposable device for rapid diagnosis of Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2)
• Grantee: Tássia Regina de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral