SERS-Based Aptasensor for Rapid Quantitative Detection of SARS-CoV-2.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the development of sensitive and rapid techniques for detection of viruses have become vital. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is an appropriate tool for new techniques due to its high sensitivity. SERS materials modified with short-structured oligonucleotides (DNA aptamers) provide specificity for SERS biosensors. Existing SERS-based aptasensors for rapid virus detection are either inapplicable for quantitative determination or have sophisticated and expensive construction and implementation. In this paper, we provide a SERS-aptasensor based on colloidal solutions which combines rapidity and specificity in quantitative determination of SARS-CoV-2 virus, discriminating it from the other respiratory viruses.

SERS-Based Colloidal Aptasensors for Quantitative Determination of Influenza Virus.

Development of sensitive techniques for rapid detection of viruses is on a high demand. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is an appropriate tool for new techniques due to its high sensitivity. DNA aptamers are short structured oligonucleotides that can provide specificity for SERS biosensors. Existing SERS-based aptasensors for rapid virus detection had several disadvantages. Some of them lacked possibility of quantitative determination, while others had sophisticated and expensive implementation. In this paper, we provide a new approach that combines rapid specific detection and the possibility of quantitative determination of viruses using the example of influenza A virus.

SERS-Based Biosensors for Virus Determination with Oligonucleotides as Recognition Elements.

Viral infections are among the main causes of morbidity and mortality of humans; sensitive and specific diagnostic methods for the rapid identification of viral pathogens are required. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is one of the most promising techniques for routine analysis due to its excellent sensitivity, simple and low-cost instrumentation and minimal required sample preparation. The outstanding sensitivity of SERS is achieved due to tiny nanostructures which must be assembled before or during the analysis. As for specificity, it may be provided using recognition elements. Antibodies, complimentary nucleic acids and aptamers are the most usable recognition elements for virus identification. Here, SERS-based biosensors for virus identification with oligonucleotides as recognition elements are reviewed, and the potential of these biosensors is discussed.