Immunoaffinity-Based Graphene Field-Effect Transistor Sensor Platform for Fast Detection of S1 Subunit Protein from COVID-19

Abstract

The epidemic of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pneumonia touches the nerve of every person. To prevent and control the epidemic, early diagnosis must be addressed. Nucleic acid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is currently used worldwide to identify positive carriers of COVID-19 when the virus attacks. However, it requires sophisticated biological design, trained personnel, bulky instruments, and is impossible or inaccurate to detect infected but recovered people or asymptomatic carriers. Here, in an effort towards expanding the screening coverage, we combined the extremely sensitive graphene field-effect transistor (Gr-FET) with highly selective antibody-antigen interaction to develop a COVID-19 immuno-sensor. The Gr-FET immunosensors can fast identify and accurately capture the subunit S1 protein from COVID-19 at a limit of detection down to 0.2 pM. Further results suggest that antigen S1 functionalized Gr-FET can be applied to screen neutralizing-antibodies with high efficiency. Thus, Gr-FET immunosensors provide an appealing opportunity to address the earlier diagnosis as well as the analysis and design of neutralizing-antibody locking methods of this ongoing public health crisis.