Electrochemical sensors for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Coronavirus (COVID-19), a deadly pandemic has spread worldwide and created many global health issues. Though methods of its detection are being continuously developed for the early detection and monitoring of COVID-19, still there is need for more novel methods. The presently used methods include rapid antigen tests, serological surveys, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), artificial intelligence-based techniques, and assays based on sensors/biosensors. Of all these, RT-PCR test has high sensitivity and specificity though it requires more time for testing and need for skilled technicians. Recently, electrochemical sensors have been developed for rapid monitoring and detection of SARS-CoV-2 from the patient's biological fluid samples. This review covers the recently developed electrochemical sensors that are focused on the detection of viral nucleic acid, immunoglobulin, antigen, and the entire viral particles. In addition, we also compare and assess their detection limits, sensitivities and specificities for the identification and monitoring of COVID-19. Furthermore, this review will address the best practices for the development of electrochemical sensors such as electrode fouling, limit of detection/limit of quantification determination and verification.

Conventional and Nanotechnology-Based Sensing Methods for SARS Coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

Ongoing pandemic coronavirus (COVID-19) has affected over 218 countries and infected 88,512,243 and 1,906,853 deaths reported by Jan. 8, 2021. At present, vaccines are being developed in Europe, Russia, USA, and China, although some of these are in phase III of trials, which are waiting to be available for the general public. The only option available now is by vigorous testing, isolation of the infected cases, and maintaining physical and social distances. Numerous methods are now available or being developed for testing the suspected cases, which may act as carriers of the virus. In this review, efforts have been made to discuss the conventional as well as fast, rapid, and efficient testing methods developed for the diagnosis of 2019-nCoV.Testing methods can be based on the sensing of targets, which include RNA, spike proteins and antibodies such as IgG and IgM. Apart from the development of RNA targeted PCR, antibody and VSV pseudovirus neutralization assay along with several other diagnostic techniques have been developed. Additionally, nanotechnology-based sensors are being developed for the diagnosis of the virus, and these are also discussed.

Point of care detection of COVID-19: Advancement in biosensing and diagnostic methods.

The recent outbreak of COVID-19 has created much inconvenience and fear that the virus can seriously affect humans, causing health hazards and death. This pandemic has created much worry and as per the report by World Health Organization (WHO), more than 43 million individuals in 215 countries and territories were affected. People around the world are still struggling to overcome the problems associated with this pandemic. Of all the available methods, reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) has been widely practiced for the pandemic detection even though several diagnostic tools are available having varying accuracy and sensitivity. The method offers many advantages making it a life-saving tool, but the method has the limitation of transporting to the nearest pathology lab, thus limiting its application in resource limited settings. This has a risen a crucial need for point-of-care devices for on-site detection. In this venture, biosensors have been used, since they can be applied immediately at the point-of-care. This review will discuss about the available diagnostic methods and biosensors for COVID-19 detection.

Electrochemical investigations for COVID-19 detection-A comparison with other viral detection methods.

Virus-induced infection such as SARS-CoV-2 is a serious threat to human health and the economic setback of the world. Continued advances in the development of technologies are required before the viruses undergo mutation. The low concentration of viruses in environmental samples makes the detection extremely challenging; simple, accurate and rapid detection methods are in urgent need. Of all the analytical techniques, electrochemical methods have the established capabilities to address the issues. Particularly, the integration of nanotechnology would allow miniature devices to be made available at the point-of-care. This review outlines the capabilities of electrochemical methods in conjunction with nanotechnology for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. Future directions and challenges of the electrochemical biosensors for pathogen detection are covered including wearable and conformal biosensors, detection of plant pathogens, multiplexed detection, and reusable biosensors for on-site monitoring, thereby providing low-cost and disposable biosensors.

Indians vs.COVID-19: The scenario of mental health.

The fight with COVID-19 pandemic seems nowhere near the end and is extremely daunting. An upsurge in cases of mental illness in India post the pandemic is a clear indicator of its scary impact. The situation of lockdown is causing the feeling of distress, agitation and helplessness among the people. Healthcare workers, poverty-stricken people, elderly, kids and persons with some pre-existing medical condition are more vulnerable to anxiety currently. Practicing a healthy lifestyle; yoga, meditation, avoiding reading too much about the pandemic and being with family are the ways to assuage stress.

The COVID-19 paradox: Impact on India and developed nations of the world.

The world has been suffering under the horrendous effects of COVID-19 both in terms of loss of human lives and numerous tangible as well as financial losses. There has been some contrast on the magnitude of its impact in various parts of the world. The most peculiar one is the impact of COVID-19 in India as compared to other developed nations. Having the second largest population along with poor health infrastructural facilities, India has fairly performed well in its initial fight against COVID-19 as compared to the far developed and equipped countries. This variance has aroused much discussion and deliberations among the academia and medical doctors to seek possible explanations. This report elaborates on factors such as dietary habits, vaccination (BCG), exposure to unsanitary surroundings, and climatic conditions, which could be the explanation for the contrasting impact of COVID-19 in India and other developed nations.

Invasion of novel corona virus (COVID-19) in Indian territory.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) started its invasion as an epidemic from Wuhan, China and propagated to become the scary pandemic that reached more than 200 countries all over the world. High number of infected people and unfortunately high mortality are the result of this invasion. The Indian scenario is no exception to this deadly infection attack, though it started a bit late. The first case in India came into notice in January and the number of cases showed an enormous growth in mid March and still continue to grow. This timely report focuses on the current invasion scenario in India as of 11th May 2020; with total cases of 67,152, active cases of 44, 029, deaths totaling to 2206 and over-all recoveries of ∼20,917 patients.

Current treatment protocol for COVID-19 in India.

The whole world is now facing the battle against the severe and dangerous pandemic COVID-19, which is not only physically harming, but also mentally disturbing because of the unceasingly escalating number of affected patients and deaths globally. In India, the containment strategies constitute in identifying, tracing-contacts, quarantine, social distancing, and following other health advisories. The current treatment protocols include real-time PCR test and Point-of-Care molecular diagnostic assays for its diagnosis; some states in India have begun the pool testing. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is being recommended as chemoprophylaxis drug for asymptomatic healthcare personnel handling COVID-19 cases, frontline workers, and asymptomatic contacts of the confirmed cases, while hydroxychloroquine-azithromycin combination for patients with serious sickness. India has also launched 'ArogyaSetu' mobile-application for tracking the movements of the citizens and has also commenced convalescent plasma therapy to combat the deadly COVID-19. This timely article is a report on the current situation of COVID-19 in India. The discussion can throw light on the potential of a developing country such as India to deal with the pandemic and some of these can be helpful in adverse circumstances in the future.