SARS-CoV-2 Detection with De Novo-Designed Synthetic Riboregulators

Anal Chem. 2021 Jul 20;93(28):9719-9727. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c00886. Epub 2021 Jun 30.

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 is a human pathogen and the main cause of COVID-19 disease, announced as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. COVID-19 is characterized by severe conditions, and early diagnosis can make dramatic changes for both personal and public health. Low-cost, easy-to-use diagnostic capabilities can have a very critical role in controlling the transmission of the disease. Here, we are reporting a state-of-the-art diagnostic tool developed with an in vitro synthetic biology approach by employing engineered de novo riboregulators. Our design coupled with a home-made point-of-care device can detect and report the presence of SARS-CoV-2-specific genes. The presence of SARS-CoV-2-related genes triggers the translation of sfGFP mRNAs, resulting in a green fluorescence output. The approach proposed here has the potential of being a game changer in SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics by providing an easy-to-run, low-cost diagnostic capability.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Humans
  • Pandemics
  • Point-of-Care Systems
  • SARS-CoV-2*