Novel biosensors quickly detect coronavirus proteins, antibodies

Context

• Scientists have developed new protein-based biosensors for faster detection of coronavirus or specific COVID-19 antibodies.

How do these biosensors function?

• These protein-based devices recognise specific molecules on the surface of the virus.
• They bind to them and then emit light through a biochemical reaction.
• When mixed with fluid from a nasal swab or blood sample, these protein sensors emit light within minutes.
• Antibody testing can reveal whether a person has had COVID-19 in the past.
• These sensors do not react to other antibodies that might also be in the blood, including those that target other viruses.

Biosensors

• These are devices used to detect the presence or concentration of a biological analyte, such as a biomolecule, a biological structure or a microorganism.
• Biosensor typically consists of
• Bio-receptor: enzyme/antibody/cell/nucleic acid/aptamer
• Transducer component:semi-conducting material/nanomaterial
• Eectronic system: signal amplifier, processor & display
• The bio-receptor uses biomolecules from organisms or receptors modeled after biological systems to interact with the analyte of interest.