On-Site Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Antigen by Deep Learning-Based Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy and Its Biochemical Foundations

Anal Chem. 2021 Jul 6;93(26):9174-9182. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c01061. Epub 2021 Jun 22.

Abstract

A rapid, on-site, and accurate SARS-CoV-2 detection method is crucial for the prevention and control of the COVID-19 epidemic. However, such an ideal screening technology has not yet been developed for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2. Here, we have developed a deep learning-based surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy technique for the sensitive, rapid, and on-site detection of the SARS-CoV-2 antigen in the throat swabs or sputum from 30 confirmed COVID-19 patients. A Raman database based on the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 was established from experiments and theoretical calculations. The corresponding biochemical foundation for this method is also discussed. The deep learning model could predict the SARS-CoV-2 antigen with an identification accuracy of 87.7%. These results suggested that this method has great potential for the diagnosis, monitoring, and control of SARS-CoV-2 worldwide.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Deep Learning*
  • Humans
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman
  • Sputum