The sixth issue of the American Chemical Society Measurement Science Au Journal features art compiled by University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy PhD student Jin Wang for their research, Ready-To-Use Microwave Sensor Modified by Antibody-AuNPs Nanoconjugate for Highly Sensitive and Selective Detection of the SARS-CoV-2 Virus.
Over the last couple years, devices have been developed to detect the presence of COVID-19 in patients, aiming to support patient management and a global pandemic response. Conventional tests have been proven to be expensive, time consuming and are prone to a high rate for false negatives. To address this issue, rapid tests were developed as a more accessible and faster alternative. However, rapid tests have been criticized for their low accuracy rate and limited specificity.
Wang and the Waterloo research team, Dr. Carolyn Ren, professor in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering and Dr. Emmanuel Ho, professor at Waterloo Pharmacy, have developed a ready to use microsensor, a small electronic device, to detect COVID-19. Their device is sensitive and accurate, offering direct virus detection with lower sample volumes compared to other testing methods. The device delivers results within one hour, significantly reducing wait times.
After submitting the paper, the ACS Journal invited Wang to create an image for their next cover issue. Wang created single element images using an AI platform, Midjourney, to depict the individual pieces of the device. She then complied these single element images into one image to create a striking, cohesive design.
The key advancement of this device is the gold nanoparticle, which is coated with an antibody that specifically recognizes the COVID-19 virus. The circular shape represents a sensor coated with antibodies-coated gold nanoparticles. Only a tiny droplet of liquid containing the virus is needed for detection, highlighting the sensitivity of the method.
Microsensor technology has not been widely explored in pathogen detection before this study. This device can be easily adapted to detect other viruses and pathogens. This has opened possibilities for use in food, agricultural and environmental monitoring. The device is very versatile, and the research team has successfully used it to detect E. coli in water samples.
The team is currently working on cutting down the price of the device to $20 US, to make the device accessible to community members and point of care facilities. This study was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research grant.