Subtyping of influenza A H1N1 virus using a label-free electrochemical biosensor based on the DNA aptamer targeting the stem region of HA protein

Improved measurement of airborne viruses using a two-stage highly virus-enriching electrostatic particle concentrator with electric-field-enhancing wire electrodes

High enrichment of airborne viruses during sampling is critical for their rapid measurement and requires a high sampling flow rate (or velocity), small collection areas, and high collection efficiency; however, high collection efficiency can rarely be achieved at high flow velocities and in small collection areas in electrostatic sampling. Herein, we present improved measurement of airborne viruses using a two-stage highly virus-enriching electrostatic particle concentrator (HEPC) with wire electrodes and high values of the-inlet-velocity-to-collection-electrode-width ratio. This sampler was evaluated using MS2 viruses and 0.05-2.0 µm diameter polystyrene latex particles at 20 liters/min. Computer simulations and experiments agreed well, showing that the wire electrodes increased collection efficiency (by up to 37 % than the without-wire-electrodes case) without high viability losses through local electric field enhancement for high-flow-velocity regions over the collection electrode and minimization of local corona discharge. The relative infectious virus concentrations of the HEPC were 41-70 times higher than those of the BioSampler. Airborne influenza A viruses at field-level concentrations (1.8 × 105 and 2.6 × 104 copies/m3) were also detected at 10-min sampling due to the high enrichment capability of HEPC. The HEPC has strong potential as a rapid airborne virus monitoring system in the field.

Advances in nucleic acid aptamer-based detection of respiratory virus and bacteria: a mini review

Respiratory pathogens infecting the human respiratory system are characterized by their diversity, high infectivity, rapid transmission, and acute onset. Traditional detection methods are time-consuming, have low sensitivity, and lack specificity, failing to meet the needs of rapid clinical diagnosis. Nucleic acid aptamers, as an emerging and innovative detection technology, offer novel solutions with high specificity, affinity, and broad target applicability, making them particularly promising for respiratory pathogen detection. This review highlights the progress in the research and application of nucleic acid aptamers for detecting respiratory pathogens, discussing their selection, application, potential in clinical diagnosis, and future development. Notably, these aptamers can significantly enhance the sensitivity and specificity of detection when combined with detection techniques such as fluorescence, colorimetry and electrochemistry. This review offers new insights into how aptamers can address the limitations of traditional diagnostic methods and advance clinical diagnostics. It also highlights key challenges and future research directions for the clinical application of nucleic acid aptamers.

Viral aptamer screening and aptamer-based biosensors for virus detection: A review

Virus-induced infectious diseases have a detrimental effect on public health and exert significant influence on the global economy. Therefore, the rapid and accurate detection of viruses is crucial for effectively preventing and diagnosing infections. Aptamer-based detection technologies have attracted researchers' attention as promising solutions. Aptamers, small single-stranded DNA or RNA screened via systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX), possess a high affinity towards their target molecules. Numerous aptamers targeting viral marker proteins or virions have been developed and widely employed in aptamer-based biosensors (aptasensor) for virus detection. This review introduces SELEX schemes for screening aptamers and discusses distinctive SELEX strategies designed explicitly for viral targets. Furthermore, recent advances in aptamer-based biosensing methods for detecting common viruses using different virus-specific aptamers are summarized. Finally, limitations and prospects associated with developing of aptamer-based biosensors are discussed.

Current developments of SELEX technologies and prospects in the aptamer selection with clinical applications

Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotide sequences capable of binding to specific ligands with high affinity. In this manner, they are like antibodies but have advantages such as lower manufacturing costs, lower immunogenicity, fewer batch-to-batch differences, a longer shelf life, high tolerance to different molecular milieus, and a greater number of potential targets. Due to their special features, they have been used in drug delivery, biosensor technology, therapy, and diagnostics. The methodology that allowed its production was the "Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential enrichment" (SELEX). Unfortunately, the traditional protocol is time-consuming and laborious. Therefore, numerous variants with considerable optimization steps have been developed, nonetheless, there are still challenges to achieving real applications in the clinical field. Among them, are control of in vivo activities, fast renal filtration, degradation by nucleases and toxicity testing. This review focuses on current technologies based on SELEX, the critical factors for successful aptamer selection, and its upcoming biomedical and biotechnological applications.

An electrochemical genomagnetic assay for detection of SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A viruses in saliva

Viral respiratory infections represent a major threat to the population's health globally. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19 disease and in some cases the symptoms can be confused with Influenza disease caused by the Influenza A viruses. A simple, fast, and selective assay capable of identifying the etiological agent and differentiating the diseases is essential to provide the correct clinical management to the patient. Herein, we described the development of a genomagnetic assay for the selective capture of viral RNA from SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A viruses in saliva samples and employing a simple disposable electrochemical device for gene detection and quantification. The proposed method showed excellent performance detecting RNA of SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A viruses, with a limit of detection (LoD) and limit of quantification (LoQ) of 5.0 fmol L-1 and 8.6 fmol L-1 for SARS-CoV-2, and 1.0 fmol L-1 and 108.9 fmol L-1 for Influenza, respectively. The genomagnetic assay was employed to evaluate the presence of the viruses in 36 saliva samples and the results presented similar responses to those obtained by the real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), demonstrating the reliability and capability of a method as an alternative for the diagnosis of COVID-19 and Influenza with point-of-care capabilities.

Trends and challenges in electroanalytical biosensing methodologies for infectious viral diseases

Viral pandemic diseases have disruptive global consequences leading to millions of deaths and a severe impact on the global economy. Inadequate preventative protocols have led to an overwhelming demand for intensive care leading to uncontrollable burdens and even breakdown of healthcare sectors across many countries. The rapid detection of viral disease helps in the understanding of the relevant intricacies, helping to tackle infection with improved guidelines. Portable biosensor devices offer promising solutions by facilitating on-site detection of viral pathogens. This review summarizes the latest innovative strategies reported using electroanalytical methods for the screening of viral antigens. The structural components of viruses and their categories are presented followed by the various recognition elements and transduction techniques involved in biosensors. Core sections focus on biosensors reported for viral genomic detection(DNA and RNA) and antigenic capsid protein. Strategies for addressing the challenges of electroanalytical biosensing of viral components are also presented. The advantages, and disadvantages of biorecognition elements and nanozymes for the detection of viral disease are highlighted. Such technical insights will help researchers working in chemistry, and biochemistry as well as clinicians working in medical diagnostics.

Aptamer-based diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for animal viruses: A review

Animal diseases often have significant consequences due to the unclear and time-consuming diagnosis process. Furthermore, the emergence of new viral infections and drug-resistant pathogens has further complicated the diagnosis and treatment of viral diseases. Aptamers, which are obtained through systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) technology, provide a promising solution as they enable specific identification and binding to targets, facilitating pathogen detection and the development of novel therapeutics. This review presented an overview of aptasensors for animal virus detection, discussed the antiviral activity and mechanisms of aptamers, and highlighted advancements in aptamer-based antiviral research following the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the challenges and prospects of aptamer-based virus diagnosis and treatment research were explored. Although this review was not exhaustive, it offered valuable insights into the progress of aptamer-based antiviral drug research, target mechanisms, as well as the development of novel antiviral drugs and biosensors.

DNA-based molecular recognition system for lactoferrin biosensing

The paper describes the development of a novel DNA oligonucleotide-based affinity bioreceptor that binds to lactoferrin, a glycoprotein-type immunomodulator. The research was performed using surface plasmon resonance method to investigate affinity of various types of oligonucleotides to the target protein. The 72 base pair-long 5'[(TAGAGGATCAAA)AAA]4TAGAGGATCAAA3' sequence with the highest affinity to lactoferrin was selected for further investigations. Kinetic analysis of the interaction between selected DNA and lactoferrin provided rate and equilibrium constants: ka = (2.49 ± 0.03)∙104 M-1∙s-1, kd = (1.89 ± 0.02)∙10-3 s-1, KA = (0.13 ± 0.05)∙108 M-1, and KD = (7.61 ± 0.18)∙10-8 M. Thermodynamic study conducted to determine the ΔH0, ΔS0, and ΔG0 for van't Hoff characteristic in the temperature range of 291.15-305.15 K, revealed the complex formation as endothermic and entropically driven. The chosen DNA sequence's selectivity towards lactoferrin was confirmed with interferents' response constituting <3 % of the response to lactoferrin. SPR analysis justified utility of the designed DNA oligonucleotide for Lf determination, with LOD of 4.42∙10-9 M. Finally, the interaction between lactoferrin and DNA was confirmed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, providing the basis for further quantitative assay of lactoferrin using the developed DNA-based bioreceptor. The interactions were performed under immobilized DNA ligand conditions, thus reflecting the sensor's surface, which facilitates their transfer to other label-free biosensor technologies.

Engineered Electrochemiluminescence Biosensors for Monitoring Heavy Metal Ions: Current Status and Prospects

Metal ion contamination has serious impacts on environmental and biological health, so it is crucial to effectively monitor the levels of these metal ions. With the continuous progression of optoelectronic nanotechnology and biometrics, the emerging electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensing technology has not only proven its simplicity, but also showcased its utility and remarkable sensitivity in engineered monitoring of residual heavy metal contaminants. This comprehensive review begins by introducing the composition, advantages, and detection principles of ECL biosensors, and delving into the engineered aspects. Furthermore, it explores two signal amplification methods: biometric element-based strategies (e.g., HCR, RCA, EDC, and CRISPR/Cas) and nanomaterial (NM)-based amplification, including quantum dots, metal nanoclusters, carbon-based nanomaterials, and porous nanomaterials. Ultimately, this review envisions future research trends and engineered technological enhancements of ECL biosensors to meet the surging demand for metal ion monitoring.

Designing a label-free electrochemical aptasensor based on polypyrrole-l-cysteine-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite for detection of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3

Reliable and precise quantification of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in clinical samples is vital because vitamin D3 deficiency lead to several disorders, such as mental illness, osteoporosis, and coronavirus disease. Herein, we report the fabrication of a novel electrochemical aptasensor using a nanocomposite, including reduced graphene oxide, pyrrole, and l-cysteine, for the sensitive detection of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 . Subsequently, the aptamer of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 was immobilized on the surface of the modified electrode. Differential pulse voltammetry signals were utilized for studying the binding and measurement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 based on the oxidation peak. Under the optimum conditions, the designed electrochemical aptasensor exhibited a linear detection range of 0.001-150 nM, with a limit of detection of 0.006 nM. Furthermore, the proposed aptasensor selectively detected 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 compared to other analogs. Moreover, this aptasensor was successfully applied for the detection of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in human serum samples, which were quantified by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The acceptable recoveries of 82.67%-111.07% demonstrated that this proposed electrochemical aptasensor can be a promising alternative for clinical methods of vitamin D determination.

Recent Advances in DNA Nanotechnology-Enabled Biosensors for Virus Detection

Virus-related infectious diseases are serious threats to humans, which makes virus detection of great importance. Traditional virus-detection methods usually suffer from low sensitivity and specificity, are time-consuming, have a high cost, etc. Recently, DNA biosensors based on DNA nanotechnology have shown great potential in virus detection. DNA nanotechnology, specifically DNA tiles and DNA aptamers, has achieved atomic precision in nanostructure construction. Exploiting the programmable nature of DNA nanostructures, researchers have developed DNA nanobiosensors that outperform traditional virus-detection methods. This paper reviews the history of DNA tiles and DNA aptamers, and it briefly describes the Baltimore classification of virology. Moreover, the advance of virus detection by using DNA nanobiosensors is discussed in detail and compared with traditional virus-detection methods. Finally, challenges faced by DNA nanobiosensors in virus detection are summarized, and a perspective on the future development of DNA nanobiosensors in virus detection is also provided.

β-Cyclodextrin Polymer-Based Fluorescence Enhancement Strategy via Host-Guest Interaction for Sensitive Assay of SARS-CoV-2

Nucleocapsid protein (N protein) is an appropriate target for early determination of viral antigen-based severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We have found that β-cyclodextrin polymer (β-CDP) has shown a significant fluorescence enhancement effect for fluorophore pyrene via host-guest interaction. Herein, we developed a sensitive and selective N protein-sensing method that combined the host-guest interaction fluorescence enhancement strategy with high recognition of aptamer. The DNA aptamer of N protein modified with pyrene at its 3' terminal was designed as the sensing probe. The added exonuclease I (Exo I) could digest the probe, and the obtained free pyrene as a guest could easily enter into the hydrophobic cavity of host β-CDP, thus inducing outstanding luminescent enhancement. While in the presence of N protein, the probe could combine with it to form a complex owing to the high affinity between the aptamer and the target, which prevented the digestion of Exo I. The steric hindrance of the complex prevented pyrene from entering the cavity of β-CDP, resulting in a tiny fluorescence change. N protein has been selectively analyzed with a low detection limit (11.27 nM) through the detection of the fluorescence intensity. Moreover, the sensing of spiked N protein from human serum and throat swabs samples of three volunteers has been achieved. These results indicated that our proposed method has broad application prospects for early diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019.

Discrimination of the H1N1 and H5N2 Variants of Influenza A Virus Using an Isomeric Sialic Acid-Conjugated Graphene Field-Effect Transistor

There has been a continuous effort to fabricate a fast, sensitive, and inexpensive system for influenza virus detection to meet the demand for effective screening in point-of-care testing. Herein, we report a sialic acid (SA)-conjugated graphene field-effect transistor (SA-GFET) sensor designed using α2,3-linked sialic acid (3'-SA) and α2,6-linked sialic acid (6'-SA) for the detection and discrimination of the hemagglutinin (HA) protein of the H5N2 and H1N1 viruses. 3'-SA and 6'-SA specific for H5 and H1 influenza were used in the SA-GFET to capture the HA protein of the influenza virus. The net charge of the captured viral sample led to a change in the electrical current of the SA-GFET platform, which could be correlated to the concentration of the viral sample. This SA-GFET platform exhibited a highly sensitive response in the range of 10¹-10⁶ pfu mL^-1, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 10¹ pfu mL^-1 in buffer solution and a response time of approximately 10 s. The selectivity of the SA-GFET platform for the H1N1 and H5N2 influenza viruses was verified by testing analogous respiratory viruses, i.e., influenza B and the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV, on the SA-GFET. Overall, the results demonstrate that the developed dual-channel SA-GFET platform can potentially serve as a highly efficient and sensitive sensing platform for the rapid detection of infectious diseases.

Tetrahedral DNA framework assisted rotational paper-based analytical device for differential detection of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A H1N1 virus

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and influenza A are two respiratory infectious diseases with similar clinical manifestations. Because of the complex global epidemic situation of COVID-19, the distinction and diagnosis of COVID-19 and influenza A infected persons is crucial for epidemic prevention and control. In this study, tetrahedral DNA framework (TDF) was combined with a rotational paper-based analytical device, and the color change generated by the reaction between horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and 3,3'5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB)-H₂O₂ was used for grayscale signal analysis by ImageJ software. The quantitative detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza A H1N1 virus were realized simultaneously. Under the optimal conditions, the paper-based analytical device showed a good linear relationship between the two viruses in the range of 10^-14-10^-8g/mL, and the two viruses were not affected by cross reaction. This sensor provides a convenient and reliable method for clinical rapid differentiation and diagnosis of COVID-19 and influenza A.

Recent Advances in Biosensors for Detection of COVID-19 and Other Viruses

This century has introduced very deadly, dangerous, and infectious diseases to humankind such as the influenza virus, Ebola virus, Zika virus, and the most infectious SARS-CoV-2 commonly known as COVID-19 and have caused epidemics and pandemics across the globe. For some of these diseases, proper medications, and vaccinations are missing and the early detection of these viruses will be critical to saving the patients. And even the vaccines are available for COVID-19, the new variants of COVID-19 such as Delta, and Omicron are spreading at large. The available virus detection techniques take a long time, are costly, and complex and some of them generates false negative or false positive that might cost patients their lives. The biosensor technique is one of the best qualified to address this difficult challenge. In this systematic review, we have summarized recent advancements in biosensor-based detection of these pandemic viruses including COVID-19. Biosensors are emerging as efficient and economical analytical diagnostic instruments for early-stage illness detection. They are highly suitable for applications related to healthcare, wearable electronics, safety, environment, military, and agriculture. We strongly believe that these insights will aid in the study and development of a new generation of adaptable virus biosensors for fellow researchers.

Aptamer-based Emerging Tools for Viral Biomarker Detection: A Focus on SARS-CoV-2

Viral infections can cause fatal illnesses to humans as well as animals. Early detection of viruses is therefore crucial to provide effective treatment to patients. Recently, the Covid-19 pandemic has undoubtedly given an alarming call to develop rapid and sensitive detection platforms. The viral diagnostic tools need to be fast, affordable, and easy to operate with high sensitivity and specificity equivalent or superior to the currently used diagnostic methods. The present detection methods include direct detection of viral antigens or measuring the response of antibodies to viral infections. However, the sensitivity and quantification of the virus are still a significant challenge. Detection tools employing synthetic binding molecules like aptamers may provide several advantages over the conventional methods that use antibodies in the assay format. Aptamers are highly stable and tailorable molecules and are therefore ideal for detection and chemical sensing applications. This review article discusses various advances made in aptamer-based viral detection platforms, including electrochemical, optical, and colorimetric methods to detect viruses, specifically SARS-Cov-2. Considering the several advantages, aptamers could be game-changing in designing high-throughput biosensors for viruses and other biomedical applications in the future.

Sensitive electrochemical detection of A549 exosomes based on DNA/ferrocene-modified single-walled carbon nanotube complex

Exosome is an emerging tumor marker, whose concentration level can reflect the occurrence and development of tumors. The development of rapid and sensitive exosome detection platform is of great significance for early warning of cancer occurrence. Here, a strategy for electrochemical detection of A549-cell-derived exosomes was established based on DNA/ferrocene-modified single-walled carbon nanotube complex (DNA/SWCNT-Fc). DNA/SWCNT-Fc complexes function as a signal amplification platform to promote electron transfer between electrochemical signal molecules and electrodes, thereby improving sensitivity. At the same time, the exosomes can be attached to DNA/SWCNT-Fc nanocomposites via the established PO₄^3--Ti⁴⁺-PO₄^3- method. Moreover, the application of EGFR antibody, which can specifically capture A549 exosomes, could improve the accuracy of this sensing system. Under optimal experimental conditions, the biosensor showed good linear relationship between the peak current and the logarithm of exosomes concentration from 4.66 × 10⁶ to 9.32 × 10⁹ exosomes/mL with a detection limit of 9.38 × 10⁴ exosomes/mL. Furthermore, this strategy provides high selectivity for exosomes of different cancer cells, which can be applied to the detection of exosomes in serum samples. Thus, owing to its advantages of high sensitivity and good selectivity, this method provides a diversified platform for exosomes identification and has great potential in early diagnosis and biomedical applications.

Immunosensors-The Future of Pathogen Real-Time Detection

Pathogens and their toxins can cause various diseases of different severity. Some of them may be fatal, and therefore early diagnosis and suitable treatment is essential. There are numerous available methods used for their rapid screening. Conventional laboratory-based techniques such as culturing, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are dominant. However, culturing still remains the "gold standard" for their identification. These methods have many advantages, including high sensitivity and selectivity, but also numerous limitations, such as long experiment-time, costly instrumentation, and the need for well-qualified personnel to operate the equipment. All these existing limitations are the reasons for the continuous search for a new solutions in the field of bacteria identification. For years, research has been focusing on the use of immunosensors in various types of toxin- and pathogen-detection. Compared to the conventional methods, immunosensors do not require well-trained personnel. What is more, immunosensors are quick, highly selective and sensitive, and possess the potential to significantly improve the pathogen and toxin diagnostic-processes. There is a very important potential use for them in various transport systems, where the risk of contamination by bioagents is very high. In this paper, the advances in the field of immunosensor usage in pathogenic microorganism- and toxin-detection, are described.

Aptamer-based biosensors for virus protein detection

Virus threatens life health seriously. The accurate early diagnosis of the virus is vital for clinical control and treatment of virus infection. Aptamers are small single-stranded oligonucleotides (DNAs or RNAs). In this review, we summarized aptasensors for virus detection in recent years according to the classification of the viral target protein, and illustrated common detection mechanisms in the aptasensors (colorimetry, fluorescence assay, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), surface-enhanced raman spectroscopy (SERS), electrochemical detection, and field-effect transistor (FET)). Furthermore, aptamers against different target proteins of viruses were summarized. The relationships between the different biomarkers of the viruses and the detection methods, and their performances were revealed. In addition, the challenges and future directions of aptasensors were discussed. This review will provide valuable references for constructing on-site aptasensors for detecting viruses, especially the SARS-CoV-2.

Aptamers: A prospective tool for infectious diseases diagnosis

It is well known that people's health is seriously threatened by various pathogens (such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Treponema pallidum, Novel coronavirus, HIV, Mucor, etc.), which leads to heavy socioeconomic burdens. Therefore, early and accurate pathogen diagnosis is essential for timely and effective therapies. Up to now, diagnosing human contagious diseases at molecule and nano levels is remarkably difficult owing to insufficient valid probes when it comes to determining the biological markers of pathogens. Aptamers are a set of high‐specificity and high‐sensitivity plastic oligonucleotides screened in vitro via the selective expansion of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). With the advent of aptamer‐based technologies, their merits have aroused mounting academic interest. In recent years, as new detection and treatment tools, nucleic acid aptamers have been extensively utilized in the field of biomedicine, such as pathogen detection, new drug development, clinical diagnosis, nanotechnology, etc. However, the traditional SELEX method is cumbersome and has a long screening cycle, and it takes several months to screen out aptamers with high specificity. With the persistent development of SELEX‐based aptamer screening technologies, the application scenarios of aptamers have become more and more extensive. The present research briefly reviews the research progress of nucleic acid aptamers in the field of biomedicine, especially in the diagnosis of contagious diseases.

An overview of advancement in aptasensors for influenza detection

INTRODUCTION

The platforms for early identification of infectious diseases such as influenza has seen a surge in recent years as delayed diagnosis of such infections can lead to dreadful effects causing large numbers of deaths. The time taken in detection of an infectious disease may vary from a few days to a few weeks depending upon the choice of the techniques. So, there is an urgent need for advanced methodologies for early diagnosis of the influenza.

AREAS COVERED

The emergence of "Aptasensor" synergistically with biosensors for diagnosis has opened a new era for sensitive, selective and early detection approaches. This review described various conventional as well as advanced methods based on artificial immunogenic nucleotide sequences complementing a part of the virus, i.e., aptamers based aptasensors for influenza diagnosis and the challenges faced in their commercialization.

EXPERT OPINION

Although numerous traditional methods are available for influenza detection but mostly associated with low sensitivity, specificity, high cost, trained personnel, and animals required for virus culture/ antibody raising as the major drawbacks. Aptamers can be manufactured invitro as 'chemical antibodies' at commercial level, no animal required. Following these advantages, aptamers can pave the way for an efficient diagnostic technique as compared to other existing conventional methods..

Emerging Biosensing Technologies for the Diagnostics of Viral Infectious Diseases

Several viral infectious diseases appear limitless since the beginning of the 21^st century, expanding into pandemic lengths. Thus, there are extensive efforts to provide more efficient means of diagnosis, a better understanding of acquired immunity, and improved monitoring of inflammatory biomarkers, as these are all crucial for controlling the spread of infection while aiding in vaccine development and improving patient outcomes. In this regard, various biosensors have been developed recently to streamline pathogen and immune response detection by addressing the limitations of traditional methods, including isothermal amplification-based systems and lateral flow assays. This review explores state-of-the-art biosensors for detecting viral pathogens, serological assays, and inflammatory biomarkers from the material perspective, by discussing their advantages, limitations, and further potential regarding their analytical performance, clinical utility, and point-of-care adaptability. Additionally, next-generation biosensing technologies that offer better sensitivity and selectivity, and easy handling for end-users are highlighted. An emerging example of these next-generation biosensors are those powered by novel synthetic biology tools, such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) with CRISPR-associated proteins (Cas), in combination with integrated point-of-care devices. Lastly, the current challenges are discussed and a roadmap for furthering these advanced biosensing technologies to manage future pandemics is provided.

Applications of Smartphone-Based Aptasensor for Diverse Targets Detection

Aptamers are a particular class of functional recognition ligands with high specificity and affinity to their targets. As the candidate recognition layer of biosensors, aptamers can be used to sense biomolecules. Aptasensors, aptamer-based biosensors, have been demonstrated to be specific, sensitive, and cost-effective. Furthermore, smartphone-based devices have shown their advantages in binding to aptasensors for point-of-care testing (POCT), which offers an immediate or spontaneous responding time for biological testing. This review describes smartphone-based aptasensors to detect various targets such as metal ions, nucleic acids, proteins, and cells. Additionally, the focus is also on aptasensors-related technologies and configurations.

Utilizing Electrochemical-Based Sensing Approaches for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Clinical Samples: A Review

The development of precise and efficient diagnostic tools enables early treatment and proper isolation of infected individuals, hence limiting the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The standard diagnostic tests used by healthcare workers to diagnose severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection have some limitations, including longer detection time, the need for qualified individuals, and the use of sophisticated bench-top equipment, which limit their use for rapid SARS-CoV-2 assessment. Advances in sensor technology have renewed the interest in electrochemical biosensors miniaturization, which provide improved diagnostic qualities such as rapid response, simplicity of operation, portability, and readiness for on-site screening of infection. This review gives a condensed overview of the current electrochemical sensing platform strategies for SARS-CoV-2 detection in clinical samples. The fundamentals of fabricating electrochemical biosensors, such as the chosen electrode materials, electrochemical transducing techniques, and sensitive biorecognition molecules, are thoroughly discussed in this paper. Furthermore, we summarised electrochemical biosensors detection strategies and their analytical performance on diverse clinical samples, including saliva, blood, and nasopharyngeal swab. Finally, we address the employment of miniaturized electrochemical biosensors integrated with microfluidic technology in viral electrochemical biosensors, emphasizing its potential for on-site diagnostics applications.

Applications in Which Aptamers Are Needed or Wanted in Diagnostics and Therapeutics

One strategy for bringing aptamers more into the mainstream of biomedical diagnostics and therapeutics is to exploit niche applications where aptamers are truly needed or wanted for their innate differences versus antibodies. This brief review article highlights some of those relatively rare applications in which aptamers are necessary or better suited to the user requirements than antibodies with explanations for why the aptamer is a necessary or superior choice. These situations include when no commercial antibody exists, when antibodies are excessively difficult to develop against a particular target because the target is highly toxic to host animals, when antibodies fail to discriminate closely related targets, when a smaller size is preferable to penetrate a tissue, when humanized monoclonal antibodies are too expensive and when the target is rapidly evolving or mutating. Examples of each are provided to illustrate these points.

Dual synergistic response for the electrochemical detection of H1N1 virus and viral proteins using high affinity peptide receptors

Identifying alternatives to antibodies as bioreceptors to test samples feasibly is crucial for developing next-generation in vitro diagnostic methods. Here, we aimed to devise an analytical method for detecting H1N1 viral proteins (hemagglutinin [HA] and neuraminidase [NA]) as well as the complete H1N1 virus with high sensitivity and selectivity. By applying biopanning of M13 peptide libraries, high affinity peptides specific for HA or NA were successfully identified. After selection, three different synthetic peptides that incorporated gold-binding motifs were designed and chemically synthesized on the basis of the original sequence identified phage display technique with or without two repeat. Their binding interactions were characterized by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), square wave voltammetry (SWV), Time of flight-secondary ion mass spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The binding constants (K_d) of HA BP1, HA BP2 and NA BP1 peptides were found to be 169.72 nM, 70.02 nM and 224.49 nM for HA or NA proteins by electrochemical measurements (SWV). The single use of HA BP2 peptide enabled the detection of either H1N1 viral proteins or the actual H1N1 virus, while NA BP1 peptide exhibited lower binding for real H1N1 virus particles. Moreover, the use of both HA BP1 and BP2 as a divalent capturing reagent improved sensor performance as well as the strength of the electrochemical signal, thereby exhibiting a dual synergistic effect for the electrochemical detection of H1N1 antigens with satisfactory specificity and sensitivity (limit of detection of 1.52 PFU/mL).

SERS-based dual-mode DNA aptasensors for rapid classification of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A/H1N1 infection

We developed a dual-mode surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based aptasensor that can accurately diagnose and distinguish severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza A/H1N1 at the same time. Herein, DNA aptamers that selectively bind to SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A/H1N1 were immobilized together on Au nanopopcorn substrate. Raman reporters (Cy3 and RRX), attached to the terminal of DNA aptamers, could generate strong SERS signals in the nanogap of the Au nanopopcorn substrate. Additionally, the internal standard Raman reporter (4-MBA) was immobilized on the Au nanopopcorn substrate along with aptamer DNAs to reduce errors caused by changes in the measurement environment. When SARS-CoV-2 or influenza A virus approaches the Au nanopopcorn substrate, the corresponding DNA aptamer selectively detaches from the substrate due to the significant binding affinity between the corresponding DNA aptamer and the virus. As a result, the related SERS intensity decreases with increasing target virus concentration. Thus, it is possible to determine whether a suspected patient is infected with SARS-CoV-2 or influenza A using this SERS-based DNA aptasensor. Furthermore, this sensor enables a quantitative evaluation of the target virus concentration with high sensitivity without being affected by cross-reactivity. Therefore, this SERS-based diagnostic platform is considered a conceptually new diagnostic tool that rapidly discriminates against these two respiratory diseases to prevent their spread.

Overcoming the limitations of COVID-19 diagnostics with nanostructures, nucleic acid engineering, and additive manufacturing

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed fundamental limitations in the current model for infectious disease diagnosis and serology, based upon complex assay workflows, laboratory-based instrumentation, and expensive materials for managing samples and reagents. The lengthy time delays required to obtain test results, the high cost of gold-standard PCR tests, and poor sensitivity of rapid point-of-care tests contributed directly to society's inability to efficiently identify COVID-19-positive individuals for quarantine, which in turn continues to impact return to normal activities throughout the economy. Over the past year, enormous resources have been invested to develop more effective rapid tests and laboratory tests with greater throughput, yet the vast majority of engineering and chemistry approaches are merely incremental improvements to existing methods for nucleic acid amplification, lateral flow test strips, and enzymatic amplification assays for protein-based biomarkers. Meanwhile, widespread commercial availability of new test kits continues to be hampered by the cost and time required to develop single-use disposable microfluidic plastic cartridges manufactured by injection molding. Through development of novel technologies for sensitive, selective, rapid, and robust viral detection and more efficient approaches for scalable manufacturing of microfluidic devices, we can be much better prepared for future management of infectious pathogen outbreaks. Here, we describe how photonic metamaterials, graphene nanomaterials, designer DNA nanostructures, and polymers amenable to scalable additive manufacturing are being applied towards overcoming the fundamental limitations of currently dominant COVID-19 diagnostic approaches. In this paper, we review how several distinct classes of nanomaterials and nanochemistry enable simple assay workflows, high sensitivity, inexpensive instrumentation, point-of-care sample-to-answer virus diagnosis, and rapidly scaled manufacturing.

Ultrasensitive Aptasensors for the Detection of Viruses Based on Opto-Electrochemical Readout Systems

Viral infections are becoming the foremost driver of morbidity, mortality and economic loss all around the world. Treatment for diseases associated to some deadly viruses are challenging tasks, due to lack of infrastructure, finance and availability of rapid, accurate and easy-to-use detection methods or devices. The emergence of biosensors has proven to be a success in the field of diagnosis to overcome the challenges associated with traditional methods. Furthermore, the incorporation of aptamers as bio-recognition elements in the design of biosensors has paved a way towards rapid, cost-effective, and specific detection devices which are insensitive to changes in the environment. In the last decade, aptamers have emerged to be suitable and efficient biorecognition elements for the detection of different kinds of analytes, such as metal ions, small and macro molecules, and even cells. The signal generation in the detection process depends on different parameters; one such parameter is whether the labelled molecule is incorporated or not for monitoring the sensing process. Based on the labelling, biosensors are classified as label or label-free; both have their significant advantages and disadvantages. Here, we have primarily reviewed the advantages for using aptamers in the transduction system of sensing devices. Furthermore, the labelled and label-free opto-electrochemical aptasensors for the detection of various kinds of viruses have been discussed. Moreover, numerous globally developed aptasensors for the sensing of different types of viruses have been illustrated and explained in tabulated form.

Aptamers-Diagnostic and Therapeutic Solution in SARS-CoV-2

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is currently the most serious challenge to global public health. Its emergence has severely disrupted the functioning of health services and the economic and social situation worldwide. Therefore, new diagnostic and therapeutic tools are urgently needed to allow for the early detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and appropriate treatment, which is crucial for the effective control of the COVID-19 disease. The ideal solution seems to be the use of aptamers—short fragments of nucleic acids, DNA or RNA—that can bind selected proteins with high specificity and affinity. They can be used in methods that base the reading of the test result on fluorescence phenomena, chemiluminescence, and electrochemical changes. Exploiting the properties of aptamers will enable the introduction of rapid, sensitive, specific, and low-cost tests for the routine diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2. Aptamers are excellent candidates for the development of point-of-care diagnostic devices and are potential therapeutic tools for the treatment of COVID-19. They can effectively block coronavirus activity in multiple fields by binding viral proteins and acting as carriers of therapeutic substances. In this review, we present recent developments in the design of various types of aptasensors to detect and treat the SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Advanced Point-of-Care Testing Technologies for Human Acute Respiratory Virus Detection

The ever-growing global threats to human life caused by the human acute respiratory virus (RV) infections have cost billions of lives, created a significant economic burden, and shaped society for centuries. The timely response to emerging RVs could save human lives and reduce the medical care burden. The development of RV detection technologies is essential for potentially preventing RV pandemic and epidemics. However, commonly used detection technologies lack sensitivity, specificity, and speed, thus often failing to provide the rapid turnaround times. To address this problem, new technologies are devised to address the performance inadequacies of the traditional methods. These emerging technologies offer improvements in convenience, speed, flexibility, and portability of point-of-care test (POCT). Herein, recent developments in POCT are comprehensively reviewed for eight typical acute respiratory viruses. This review discusses the challenges and opportunities of various recognition and detection strategies and discusses these according to their detection principles, including nucleic acid amplification, optical POCT, electrochemistry, lateral flow assays, microfluidics, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and microarrays. The importance of limits of detection, throughput, portability, and specificity when testing clinical samples in resource-limited settings is emphasized. Finally, the evaluation of commercial POCT kits for both essential RV diagnosis and clinical-oriented practices is included.

COVID-19 challenges: From SARS-CoV-2 infection to effective point-of-care diagnosis by electrochemical biosensing platforms

In January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) identified a new zoonotic virus, SARS-CoV-2, responsible for causing the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019). Since then, there has been a collaborative trend between the scientific community and industry. Multidisciplinary research networks try to understand the whole SARS-CoV-2 pathophysiology and its relationship with the different grades of severity presented by COVID-19. The scientific community has gathered all the data in the quickly developed vaccines that offer a protective effect for all variants of the virus and promote new diagnostic alternatives able to have a high standard of efficiency, added to shorter response analysis time and portability. The industry enters in the context of accelerating the path taken by science until obtaining the final product. In this review, we show the principal diagnostic methods developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, when we observe the diagnostic tools section of an efficient infection outbreak containment report and the features required for such tools, we could observe a highlight of electrochemical biosensing platforms. Such devices present a high standard of analytical performance, are low-cost tools, easy to handle and interpret, and can be used in the most remote and low-resource regions. Therefore, probably, they are the ideal point-of-care diagnostic tools for pandemic scenarios.

A photo-electrochemical aptasensor for the determination of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 receptor-binding domain by using graphitic carbon nitride-cadmium sulfide quantum dots nanocomposite

Herein, a photoelectrochemical aptasensor for the quantitive measurement of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 receptor-binding domain (Sars-Cov-2 RBD) has been reported for the first time. For this purpose, first, graphitic carbon nitride and (gC₃N₄) and cadmium sulfide (CdS) quantum dots were fabricated and characterized. After that, gC₃N₄ and CdS were mixed well. The fabricated nanomaterials were characterized by scanning transmission electron microscopy. Then, the CdS QDs-gC₃N₄ nanocomposite was added to the solution containing chitosan as an amine-rich polymer to generate a Chitosan/CdS-gC₃N₄ nanocomposite. Subsequently, the surface of the ITO electrode was modified with Chitosan/CdS-gC₃N₄. After that, the amine-terminal aptamer probes were immobilized on the surface of the Chitosan/CdS QDs-gC₃N₄/ITO electrode by using glutaraldehyde as an amine-amine crosslinker. The electrochemical performances of the electrodes were studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), and photo-electrochemistry (PEC). The surface coverage of the immobilized aptamer probe was founded to be 26.2 pmol.cm^-2. The obtained results demonstrated that the proposed photo-electrochemical aptasensor can be used for the measurement of Sars-Cov-2 RBD within 0.5-32.0 nM. The limit of detection (LOD) was obtained to be 0.12 nM (at 3σ/slope). The affinity of the Aptamer/Chitosan/CdS QDs-gC₃N₄/ITO was also founded to be 3.4 nM by using Langmuir-typical adsorption systems. The proposed photo-electrochemical aptasensor was applied for the measurement of the spiked Sars-Cov-2 RBD in human saliva samples at two concentrations. The effect of the interfering biomaterials such as human immunoglobulin G human immunoglobulin A, human immunoglobulin M, and human serum albumin was also studied.

Oligonucleotide aptamers for pathogen detection and infectious disease control

During an epidemic or pandemic, the primary task is to rapidly develop precise diagnostic approaches and effective therapeutics. Oligonucleotide aptamer-based pathogen detection assays and control therapeutics are promising, as aptamers that specifically recognize and block pathogens can be quickly developed and produced through simple chemical synthesis. This work reviews common aptamer-based diagnostic techniques for communicable diseases and summarizes currently available aptamers that target various pathogens, including the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Moreover, this review discusses how oligonucleotide aptamers might be leveraged to control pathogen propagation and improve host immune system responses. This review offers a comprehensive data source to the further develop aptamer-based diagnostics and therapeutics specific for infectious diseases.

Nanomaterials-Based Sensors for Respiratory Viral Detection: A Review

Contagious diseases are the principal cause of mortality, particularly respiratory viruses, a real menace for public health and economic development worldwide. Therefore, timely diagnosis and treatments are the only life-saving strategy to overcome any epidemic and particularly the ongoing prevailing pandemic COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2. A rapid identification, point of care, portable, highly sensitive, stable, and inexpensive device is needed which is exceptionally satisfied by sensor technology. Consequently, the researchers have directed their attention to employing sensors targeting multiple analyses of pathogenic detections across the world. Nanostructured materials (nanoparticles, nanowires, nanobundles, etc.), owing to their unique characteristics such as large surface-to-volume ratio and nanoscale interactions, are widely employed to fabricate facile sensors to meet all the immediate emerging challenges and threats. This review is anticipated to foster researchers in developing advanced nanomaterials-based sensors for the increasing number of COVID-19 cases across the globe. The mechanism of respiratory viral detection by nanomaterials-based sensors has been reported. Moreover, the advantages, disadvantages, and their comparison with conventional sensors are summarized. Furthermore, we have highlighted the challenges and future potential of these sensors for achieving efficient and rapid detection.

Self-Assembled Chromogenic Polymeric Nanoparticle-Laden Nanocarrier as a Signal Carrier for Derivative Binary Responsive Virus Detection

In the current biosensor, the signal generation is limited to single virus detection in the reaction chamber. An adaptive strategy is required to enable the recognition of multiple viruses for diagnostics and surveillance. In this work, a nanocarrier is deployed to bring specific signal amplification into the biosensor, depending on the target viruses. The nanocarrier is designed using pH-sensitive polymeric nanoparticle-laden nanocarriers (PNLNs) prepared by sequential nanoprecipitation. The nanoprecipitation of two chromogens, phenolphthalein (PP) and thymolphthalein (TP), is investigated in three different solvent systems in which PNLNs demonstrate a high loading of the chromogen up to 59.75% in dimethylformamide (DMF)/dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)/ethanol attributing to the coprecipitation degree of the chromogens and the polymer. The PP-encapsulated PNLNs (PP@PNLNs) and TP-encapsulated PNLNs (TP@PNLNs) are conjugated to antibodies specific to target viruses, influenza virus A subtype H1N1 (IV/A/H1N1) and H3N2 (IV/A/H3N2), respectively. After the addition of anti-IV/A antibody-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and magnetic separation, the enriched PNLNs/virus/MNPs sandwich structure is treated in an alkaline solution. It demonstrates a synergy reaction in which the degradation of the polymeric boundary and the pH-induced colorimetric development of the chromogen occurred. The derivative binary biosensor shows feasible detection on IV/A with excellent specificities of PP@PNLNs on IV/A/H1N1 and TP@PNLNs on IV/A/H3N2 with LODs of 27.56 and 28.38 fg mL^-1, respectively. It intrigues the distinguished analytical signal in human serum with a variance coefficient of 25.8% and a recovery of 93.6-110.6% for one-step subtype influenza virus detection.

Sensitive pH-responsive point-of-care electrochemical immunoassay for influenza A (H1N1) virus using glucose oxidase-functionalized Ti3C2-MXene nanosheets

Influenza A (H1N1) virus is a serious health threat and potential leading cause of death around the world during the processes of immunity and inflammation. Herein a sensitive pH-responsive point-of-care (POC) electrochemical immunoassay was designed for the quantitative monitoring of H1N1 influenza virus using glucose oxidase (GOx) and secondary antibody-functionalized Ti₃C₂-MXene nanosheets. The assay was carried out on the basis of the sandwich-type immunoreaction in the capture antibody-coated microplate. Two-dimensional (2D) Ti₃C₂-MXene nanosheets with a large surface area could efficiently enhance the loading amount of GOx molecules, thereby resulting in the signal amplification. Accompanying the formed immunocomplexes, labeled GOx molecules catalyzed glucose into gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide. The generated gluconic acid caused a pH change of the detection solution, which was quantitatively determined on a handheld pH meter. Two labeling strategies with and without Ti₃C₂-MXene nanosheets were investigated to determine the target H1N1 influenza virus, and improved properties were acquired with the Ti₃C₂-MXene-labeled system. Under optimum conditions, the Ti₃C₂-MXene-based immunoassay gave good dynamic responses toward the target H1N1 influenza virus from 0.01 μg mL^-1 to 100 μg mL^-1 with a detection limit of 1.3 ng mL^-1. Good reproducibility, high specificity, and acceptable stability were also achieved in the analysis of the target H1N1 influenza virus. Significantly, measurements of the H1N1 influenza virus from clinical human samples were demonstrated to further confirm the method reliability and accuracy of the Ti₃C₂-MXene-based electrochemical immunoassay. Importantly, such a pH-meter-based immunoassay can be suitable for use in point-of-care applications and opens new opportunities for diagnostics.

Engineered Aptamers for Enhanced COVID-19 Theranostics

INTRODUCTION

The 2019-novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an intractable global health challenge resulting in an aberrant rate of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The mode of entry for SARS-CoV-2 into host cells occurs through clathrin-mediated endocytosis. As part of the efforts to mitigate COVID-19 infections, rapid and accurate detection methods, as well as smart vaccine and drug designs with SARS-CoV-2 targeting capabilities are critically needed. This systematic review aimed to present a good mapping between the structural and functional characteristics of aptamers and their potential applications in COVID-19 theranostics.

METHODS

In this study, extensive discussions into the potential development of aptameric systems as robust theranostics for rapid mitigation of the virulent SARS-CoV-2 was made. Information required for this study were extracted from a systematic review of literature in PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science (WOS), and other official related reports from reputable organisations.

RESULTS

The global burden of COVID-19 pandemic was discussed including the progress in rapid detection, repurposing of existing antiviral drugs, and development of prophylactic vaccines. Aptamers have highly specific and stable target binding characteristics which can be generated and engineered with less complexity for COVID-19 targeted theranostic applications.

CONCLUSIONS

There is an urgent need to develop safe innovative biomedical technologies to mitigate the dire impact of COVID-19 on public health worldwide. Research advances into aptameric systems bode well with the fact that they can be engineered for the development of effective and affordable diagnostics, therapeutics and prophylactic vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 and other infectious pathogens.

Advancements in electrochemical biosensing for respiratory virus detection: A review

Respiratory viruses are real menace for human health which result in devastating epidemic disease. Consequently, it is in urgent need of identifying and quantifying virus with a rapid, sensitive and precise approach. The study of electrochemical biosensors for respiratory virus detection has become one of the most rapidly developing scientific fields. Recent developments in electrochemical biosensors concerning respiratory virus detection are comprehensively reviewed in this paper. This review is structured along common detecting objects of respiratory viruses, electrochemical biosensors, electrochemical biosensors for respiratory virus detection and future challenges. The electrochemical biosensors for respiratory virus detection are introduced, including nucleic acids-based, immunosensors and other affinity biosensors. Lastly, for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnosis, the future challenges regarding developing electrochemical biosensor-based Point-of-Care Tests (POCTs) are summarized. This review is expected to provide a helpful guide for the researchers entering this interdisciplinary field and developing more novel electrochemical biosensors for respiratory virus detection.

Recent Advances in Aptamer-Based Biosensors for Global Health Applications

Since aptamers were first reported in the early 2000s, research on their use for the detection of health-relevant analytical targets has exploded. This review article provides a brief overview of the most recent developments in the field of aptamer-based biosensors for global health applications. The review provides a description of general aptasensing principles and follows up with examples of recent reports of diagnostics-related applications. These applications include detection of proteins and small molecules, circulating cancer cells, whole-cell pathogens, extracellular vesicles, and tissue diagnostics. The review also discusses the main challenges that this growing technology faces in the quest of bringing these new devices from the laboratory to the market.

Aptamers for Anti-Viral Therapeutics and Diagnostics

Viral infections cause a host of fatal diseases and seriously affect every form of life from bacteria to humans. Although most viral infections can receive appropriate treatment thereby limiting damage to life and livelihood with modern medicine and early diagnosis, new types of viral infections are continuously emerging that need to be properly and timely treated. As time is the most important factor in the progress of many deadly viral diseases, early detection becomes of paramount importance for effective treatment. Aptamers are small oligonucleotide molecules made by the systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). Aptamers are characterized by being able to specifically bind to a target, much like antibodies. However, unlike antibodies, aptamers are easily synthesized, modified, and are able to target a wider range of substances, including proteins and carbohydrates. With these advantages in mind, many studies on aptamer-based viral diagnosis and treatments are currently in progress. The use of aptamers for viral diagnosis requires a system that recognizes the binding of viral molecules to aptamers in samples of blood, serum, plasma, or in virus-infected cells. From a therapeutic perspective, aptamers target viral particles or host cell receptors to prevent the interaction between the virus and host cells or target intracellular viral proteins to interrupt the life cycle of the virus within infected cells. In this paper, we review recent attempts to use aptamers for the diagnosis and treatment of various viral infections.

Advances in airborne microorganisms detection using biosensors: A critical review

Humanity has been facing the threat of a variety of infectious diseases. Airborne microorganisms can cause airborne infectious diseases, which spread rapidly and extensively, causing huge losses to human society on a global scale. In recent years, the detection technology for airborne microorganisms has developed rapidly; it can be roughly divided into biochemical, immune, and molecular technologies. However, these technologies still have some shortcomings; they are time-consuming and have low sensitivity and poor stability. Most of them need to be used in the ideal environment of a laboratory, which limits their applications. A biosensor is a device that converts biological signals into detectable signals. As an interdisciplinary field, biosensors have successfully introduced a variety of technologies for bio-detection. Given their fast analysis speed, high sensitivity, good portability, strong specificity, and low cost, biosensors have been widely used in environmental monitoring, medical research, food and agricultural safety, military medicine and other fields. In recent years, the performance of biosensors has greatly improved, becoming a promising technology for airborne microorganism detection. This review introduces the detection principle of biosensors from the three aspects of component identification, energy conversion principle, and signal amplification. It also summarizes its research and application in airborne microorganism detection. The new progress and future development trend of the biosensor detection of airborne microorganisms are analyzed.

Biosensing strategies for the electrochemical detection of viruses and viral diseases - A review

Viruses are the causing agents for many relevant diseases, including influenza, Ebola, HIV/AIDS, and COVID-19. Its rapid replication and high transmissibility can lead to serious consequences not only to the individual but also to collective health, causing deep economic impacts. In this scenario, diagnosis tools are of significant importance, allowing the rapid, precise, and low-cost testing of a substantial number of individuals. Currently, PCR-based techniques are the gold standard for the diagnosis of viral diseases. Although these allow the diagnosis of different illnesses with high precision, they still present significant drawbacks. Their main disadvantages include long periods for obtaining results and the need for specialized professionals and equipment, requiring the tests to be performed in research centers. In this scenario, biosensors have been presented as promising alternatives for the rapid, precise, low-cost, and on-site diagnosis of viral diseases. This critical review article describes the advancements achieved in the last five years regarding electrochemical biosensors for the diagnosis of viral infections. First, genosensors and aptasensors for the detection of virus and the diagnosis of viral diseases are presented in detail regarding probe immobilization approaches, detection methods (label-free and sandwich), and amplification strategies. Following, immunosensors are highlighted, including many different construction strategies such as label-free, sandwich, competitive, and lateral-flow assays. Then, biosensors for the detection of viral-diseases-related biomarkers are presented and discussed, as well as point of care systems and their advantages when compared to traditional techniques. Last, the difficulties of commercializing electrochemical devices are critically discussed in conjunction with future trends such as lab-on-a-chip and flexible sensors.

Fabrication of Electrochemical Influenza Virus (H1N1) Biosensor Composed of Multifunctional DNA Four-Way Junction and Molybdenum Disulfide Hybrid Material

The outbreak of the influenza virus (H1N1) has symptoms such as coughing, fever, and a sore throat, and due to its high contagious power, it is fatal to humans. To detect H1N1 precisely, the present study proposed an electrochemical biosensor composed of a multifunctional DNA four-way junction (4WJ) and carboxyl molybdenum disulfide (carboxyl-MoS2) hybrid material. The DNA 4WJ was constructed to have the hemagglutinin aptamer on the head group (recognition part); each of the two arms has four silver ions (signal amplification part), and the tail group has an amine group (anchor). This fabricated multifunctional DNA 4WJ can specifically and selectively bind to hemagglutinin. Moreover, the carboxyl-MoS2 provides an increase in the sensitivity of this biosensor. Carboxyl-MoS2 was immobilized using a linker on the electrode, followed by the immobilization of the multifunctional 4WJ on the electrode. The synthesis of carboxyl-MoS2 was confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and the surface of the electrode was confirmed by atomic force microscopy. When H1N1 was placed in the immobilized electrode, the presence of H1N1 was confirmed by electrochemical analysis (cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy). Through selectivity tests, it was also possible to determine whether this sensor responds specifically and selectively to H1N1. We confirmed that the biosensor showed a linear response to H1N1, and that H1N1 could be detected from 100 nM to 10 pM. Finally, clinical tests, in which hemagglutinin was diluted with human serum, showed a similar tendency to those diluted with water. This study showed that the multi-functional DNA 4WJ and carboxyl-MoS2 hybrid material can be applied to a electrochemical H1N1 biosensor.

Biosensors for the detection of respiratory viruses: A review

The recent events of outbreaks related to different respiratory viruses in the past few years, exponentiated by the pandemic caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), reported worldwide caused by SARS-CoV-2, raised a concern and increased the search for more information on viruses-based diseases. The detection of the virus with high specificity and sensitivity plays an important role for an accurate diagnosis. Despite the many efforts to identify the SARS-CoV-2, the diagnosis still relays on expensive and time-consuming analysis. A fast and reliable alternative is the use of low-cost biosensor for in loco detection. This review gathers important contributions in the biosensor area regarding the most current respiratory viruses, presents the advances in the assembly of the devices and figures of merit. All information is useful for further biosensor development for the detection of respiratory viruses, such as for the new coronavirus.

The Latest Achievements in the Construction of Influenza Virus Detection Aptasensors

Aptamers are short fragments of nucleic acids, DNA or RNA that have the ability to bind selected proteins with high specificity and affinity. These properties allow them to be used as an element of biosensors for the detection of specific proteins, including viral ones, which makes it possible to design valuable diagnostic tools. The influenza virus causes a huge number of human and animal deaths worldwide every year, and contributes to remarkable economic losses. In addition, in 2020, a new threat appeared-the SARS-Cov-2 pandemic. Both disease entities, especially in the initial stage of infection, are almost identical in terms of signs and symptoms. Therefore, a diagnostic solution is needed that will allow distinguishing between both pathogens, with high sensitivity and specificity; it should be cheap, quick and possible to use in the field, for example, in a doctor's office. All the mentioned properties are met by aptasensors in which the detection elements are specific aptamers. We present here the latest developments in the construction of various types of aptasensors for the detection of influenza virus. Aptasensor operation is based on the measurement of changes in electric impedance, fluorescence or electric signal (impedimetric, fluorescence and electrochemical aptasensors, respectively); it allows both qualitative and quantitative determinations. The particularly high advancement for detecting of influenza virus concerns impedimetric aptasensors.

Virus-based SELEX (viro-SELEX) allows development of aptamers targeting knotty proteins

It has been 100 years since the worst flu (Spanish flu) mankind has ever experienced. Rapid, accurate diagnosis and subtyping of flu are still an urgent unmet medical need. By using surrogate virus-based SELEX (viro-SELEX), we report here multiple advances incorporated into the field of flu diagnostics: (i) aptamers that can bind to the native virus well even though they cannot bind strongly to a recombinant protein (hemagglutinin); (ii) a couple of aptamers that can target a broad range of strains belonging to the H1N1 subtype and detect only the H1N1 subtype and nothing else; (iii) a highly sensitive lateral flow assay system (limit of detection is 0.08 HAU) using fluorescence-tagged aptamers. The viro-SELEX method of aptamer selection in conjunction with a fluorescent tag on aptamers is a very useful approach to develop highly sensitive, specific, portable, rapid, and quantitative point-of-care testing diagnostic tools for the future.