The invention herein disclosed relates to a nanoparticle-based colorimetric sensor for the rapid naked-eye detection of SARS-CoV-2 in surfaces and biological samples.
The high incidence of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 drives the urgent need to halt its spread and thus control the pandemic evolution. An effective prevention requires the early detection of the infected individuals, as well as detection of contaminated fomites as strategies to prevent the contamination of healthy people in community and nosocomial environment. Hence, the development of a nanosensor able to provide a rapid naked-eye detection SARS-CoV-2 in surfaces and biological samples represents an important tool.
This nanosensor comprises functionalized nanoparticles that in the presence of SARS-CoV-2 provides a colour change from blue to pink within 30 minutes. Its chromatic properties enable a rapid naked-eye detection of the virus presence, applicable in the form of a liquid solution or immobilized on a physical support.
Beyond the application on biological samples, it can be used as a pulverization solution able to detect contamination on surfaces. Overall, this fast, specific and sensitive colorimetric nanosensor can be applied in solution or in physical support offering a rapid naked-eye detection of SARS-CoV-2.
This nanosensor can result in a pulverization solution for SARS-Cov-2 detection on surfaces. Additionaly, it can be incorporated in a kit for the detection of SARS-Cov-2 in biological samples, namely saliva and nasopharyngeal swab.
