Combining machine learning and nanopore construction creates an artificial intelligence nanopore for coronavirus detection

Nat Commun. 2021 Jun 17;12(1):3726. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-24001-2.

Abstract

High-throughput, high-accuracy detection of emerging viruses allows for the control of disease outbreaks. Currently, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is currently the most-widely used technology to diagnose the presence of SARS-CoV-2. However, RT-PCR requires the extraction of viral RNA from clinical specimens to obtain high sensitivity. Here, we report a method for detecting novel coronaviruses with high sensitivity by using nanopores together with artificial intelligence, a relatively simple procedure that does not require RNA extraction. Our final platform, which we call the artificially intelligent nanopore, consists of machine learning software on a server, a portable high-speed and high-precision current measuring instrument, and scalable, cost-effective semiconducting nanopore modules. We show that artificially intelligent nanopores are successful in accurately identifying four types of coronaviruses similar in size, HCoV-229E, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in saliva specimen is achieved with a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 96% with a 5-minute measurement.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Artificial Intelligence*
  • COVID-19 Nucleic Acid Testing / instrumentation
  • COVID-19 Nucleic Acid Testing / methods*
  • Coronavirus 229E, Human / genetics
  • Equipment Design / economics
  • Humans
  • Limit of Detection
  • Machine Learning*
  • Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus / genetics
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry
  • Nanopores*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • SARS-CoV-2 / genetics
  • Saliva / virology
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Software