An all-in-one point-of-care testing device for multiplexed detection of respiratory infections

Biosens Bioelectron. 2022 Oct 1:213:114454. doi: 10.1016/j.bios.2022.114454. Epub 2022 Jun 8.

Abstract

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the need for rapid, cost-effective, and reliable point-of-care testing (POCT) devices for massive population screening. The co-circulation of SARS-CoV-2 with several seasonal respiratory viruses highlights the need for multiplexed biosensing approaches. Herein, we present a fast and robust all-in-one POCT device for parallel viral antigen and serological analysis. The biosensing approach consists of a functionalized polycarbonate disc-shaped surface with microfluidic structures, where specific bioreagents are immobilized in microarray format, and a portable optoelectronic analyzer. The biosensor quantifies the concentration of viral antigens and specific immunoglobulins G and M for SARS-CoV-2, influenza A/B, adenovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus, using 30 μL of a sample. The semi-automated analysis of 6 samples is performed in 30 min. Validation studies performed with 135 serum samples and 147 nasopharyngeal specimens reveal high diagnostic sensitivity (98-100%) and specificity (84-98%), achieving an excellent agreement (κ = 0.937) with commercial immunoassays, which complies with the World Health Organization criteria for POC COVID-19 diagnostic tests. The versatility of the POCT device paves the way for the detection of other pathogens and analytes in the incoming post-pandemic world, integrating specific bioreagents against different variants of concerns and interests.

Keywords: Adenovirus; COVID-19; Immunoassay; Influenza; Microfluidics; Respiratory syncytial virus; SARS-CoV-2.

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Viral / analysis
  • Biosensing Techniques*
  • COVID-19* / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Influenza, Human* / diagnosis
  • Pandemics
  • Point-of-Care Systems
  • Point-of-Care Testing
  • Respiratory Tract Infections* / diagnosis
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Antigens, Viral