10-Minute COVID-19 Diagnostic Test Based on Nanoparticles Identifies IgG Antibodies and Costs Only Fifth of Market Average
By HospiMedica International staff writers Posted on 04 Feb 2021 |
Image: 10-Minute COVID-19 Diagnostic Test Based on Nanoparticles Identifies IgG Antibodies and Costs Only Fifth of Market Average (Photo courtesy of Karla Castro/USP)
A new COVID-19 test uses technology based on nanoparticles to detect antibodies to the novel coronavirus in 10 minutes and costs only a fifth of the market average.
The test developed by researchers at the University of São Paulo’s São Carlos Chemistry Institute (IQSC-USP; São Paulo, Brazil) and Biolinker (São Paulo, Brazil) works similarly to the rapid tests available now in pharmacies. It analyzes a drop of blood, and two red LEDs light up if it detects the presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies, which are produced in the acute phase of COVID-19 (10 days after the onset of symptoms on average). According to the researchers, the technology can easily be adapted to the novel SARS-CoV-2 variants, if necessary.
The test can be sold for less than USD 6 after it receives regulatory approval thanks to efforts by the researchers to optimize the quantity of raw materials and reagents in order to lower its production cost and develop a technology based on nanoparticles to facilitate IgG detection. The researchers combined a gold nanoparticle (which originates the red color) with a piece of the virus’s spike protein recognized by human antibodies. To develop the molecule used in the test device, the researchers worked in the laboratory to synthesize the docking tip of the spike protein, known as the receptor-binding domain (RBD), and used a recombinant DNA technology involving bacteria genetically modified to express the viral protein in vitro.
“The more antibodies there are in the blood, the brighter the red color. We believe this means the test can also be used to monitor the response to vaccination,” said Frank Crespilho, a professor at IQSC-USP and principal investigator for the study.
Related Links:
University of São Paulo
Biolinker
The test developed by researchers at the University of São Paulo’s São Carlos Chemistry Institute (IQSC-USP; São Paulo, Brazil) and Biolinker (São Paulo, Brazil) works similarly to the rapid tests available now in pharmacies. It analyzes a drop of blood, and two red LEDs light up if it detects the presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies, which are produced in the acute phase of COVID-19 (10 days after the onset of symptoms on average). According to the researchers, the technology can easily be adapted to the novel SARS-CoV-2 variants, if necessary.
The test can be sold for less than USD 6 after it receives regulatory approval thanks to efforts by the researchers to optimize the quantity of raw materials and reagents in order to lower its production cost and develop a technology based on nanoparticles to facilitate IgG detection. The researchers combined a gold nanoparticle (which originates the red color) with a piece of the virus’s spike protein recognized by human antibodies. To develop the molecule used in the test device, the researchers worked in the laboratory to synthesize the docking tip of the spike protein, known as the receptor-binding domain (RBD), and used a recombinant DNA technology involving bacteria genetically modified to express the viral protein in vitro.
“The more antibodies there are in the blood, the brighter the red color. We believe this means the test can also be used to monitor the response to vaccination,” said Frank Crespilho, a professor at IQSC-USP and principal investigator for the study.
Related Links:
University of São Paulo
Biolinker
Latest COVID-19 News
- Low-Cost System Detects SARS-CoV-2 Virus in Hospital Air Using High-Tech Bubbles
- World's First Inhalable COVID-19 Vaccine Approved in China
- COVID-19 Vaccine Patch Fights SARS-CoV-2 Variants Better than Needles
- Blood Viscosity Testing Can Predict Risk of Death in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients
- ‘Covid Computer’ Uses AI to Detect COVID-19 from Chest CT Scans
- MRI Lung-Imaging Technique Shows Cause of Long-COVID Symptoms
- Chest CT Scans of COVID-19 Patients Could Help Distinguish Between SARS-CoV-2 Variants
- Specialized MRI Detects Lung Abnormalities in Non-Hospitalized Long COVID Patients
- AI Algorithm Identifies Hospitalized Patients at Highest Risk of Dying From COVID-19
- Sweat Sensor Detects Key Biomarkers That Provide Early Warning of COVID-19 and Flu
- Study Assesses Impact of COVID-19 on Ventilation/Perfusion Scintigraphy
- CT Imaging Study Finds Vaccination Reduces Risk of COVID-19 Associated Pulmonary Embolism
- Third Day in Hospital a ‘Tipping Point’ in Severity of COVID-19 Pneumonia
- Longer Interval Between COVID-19 Vaccines Generates Up to Nine Times as Many Antibodies
- AI Model for Monitoring COVID-19 Predicts Mortality Within First 30 Days of Admission
- AI Predicts COVID Prognosis at Near-Expert Level Based Off CT Scans