Localized surface plasmon resonance aptasensor for selective detection of SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein

Analyst. 2021 Nov 22;146(23):7207-7217. doi: 10.1039/d1an01458g.

Abstract

In this work, we designed and developed a method to detect S1 spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. The portable Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance instrument equipped with a two-channel system was combined with the biotin-streptavidin platform on a nanogold surface to immobilize biotinylated aptamers. The proposed assay does not utilize antibodies or enzyme-based reagents, further simplifying the detection method. Using aptamer-protein bioaffinity interactions, the aptasensor selectively and specifically detected in real-time S1 spike protein, rather than S2 spike protein, RBD spike protein, or bovine serum albumin. The dynamic range and limit of detection of the aptasensor was determined to be 1 nM-100 nM and 0.26 nM, respectively. Notably, aptasensor detected preferentially S1 protein of SARS-CoV-2 compared to SARS-CoV and detected S1 protein with >95% recovery in artificial saliva, and serum albumin, excellent repeatability and shelf-life stability. The method may provide a low-cost, rapid, and real-time detection and monitoring of viruses in the general public.

MeSH terms

  • Biotin
  • COVID-19*
  • Humans
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus* / analysis
  • Surface Plasmon Resonance*

Substances

  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
  • spike protein, SARS-CoV-2
  • Biotin