Quartz tuning fork biosensor: A potential tool for SARS-CoV-2 detection

Abstract

Portable, fast, and practical devices are important in the fight against epidemic diseases. The lack of readily available small-scale commercial solutions prompted us to delve deeper into this research effort. Investment in Quartz Tuning Fork (QTF)-based biosensor research is significant due to its seamless integration with miniaturised and portable devices. Within the scope of this study, a new, cost-effective, and versatile frequency analyser designed for detecting diseases, compatible with screens of different sizes, has been introduced. The modified QTF sensor occured mass-sensitive SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (SARS-NP) detection with remarkable simplicity, sensitivity, and selectivity. The developed QTF-based biosensor has an impressive linear detection range ranging from 5 to 200 ng/mL and an exceptionally low limit of detection (LOD) value of 1.72 ng/mL. The sensitivity of the developed QTF-based biosensor was obtained as 50 Hz/1 μM. The biosensor response was then evaluated in commercial human serum sample. After 15 days of storage, these biosensors retained approximately 93.7 % of their initial activity. Additionally, a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) comprehensively characterised the electrode surface.