Photo-sensitive peptide inducing targeted cross-linking in a one-step and reagent-, enzyme- and antibody-free detection of SARS-Cov-2 marker protein

Abstract

Modern biosensing technology plays a crucial role in combating the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, the associated assays remain costly, considering their extensive daily use. In response, we developed a simplified one-step SARS-CoV-2 protease assay that reduces both time and financial expenses. This approach eliminates the need for extra reagents, enzymes, or antibodies. The simplification involves a photo-sensitive Bengal red-tagged substrate peptide, allowing specific cross-linking upon protease-substrate recognition. This process forms a di-tyrosine product with a distinctive fluorescence signal readout, enabling the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in patient serum samples. This method anticipates a major reduction in assay costs in the near future.

Keywords: COVID-2019; Covalent biosensing; Peptide; Photo-induced cross-linking; Proximity-induce labeling; SARS-Cov-2.