Image Description: Nikalyte’s SERS flexible sensor for SARS-CoV-2 screening, utilizing gold nanoparticles on facemasks for enhanced detection of the virus’ spike protein.
Industry: Healthcare / Diagnostics / Nanotechnology
Challenge:
In collaboration with Dr. Wangcun Jia at the University of California, Irvine, Nikalyte was tasked with developing a reliable and low-cost solution for SARS-CoV-2 screening using flexible sensors. The goal was to detect the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein using Raman spectroscopy on facemasks, with the added challenge of achieving a high sensitivity for detection at low concentrations, especially in the presence of complex biological samples.
Image Description: (1) Cellulose substrate with printed gold nanoparticles and (2) Quartz fiber with gold nanoparticles formed using Nikalyte technology
Solution:
Nikalyte’s advanced Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) technology was utilized to develop a flexible, low-cost SERS sticker that can be placed on the inside or outside of facemasks. The SERS sensor was integrated with gold nanoparticles deposited on a quartz fiber substrate to enhance the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Our technology allowed for the reliable detection of protein concentrations as low as 1:200, providing a fast and effective screening solution.
Image Description: Electrochemical testing setup demonstrating the configuration used to evaluate Nikalyte-fabricated gold (Au) electrodes
Results:
The results showed that SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins on a quartz fiber substrate with gold nanoparticles could be reliably detected with Raman spectroscopy. The low noise signal of Nikalyte’s SERS substrates enabled the detection of the virus at very low concentrations, which is crucial for early-stage screening. While the sensor demonstrated reliable detection, further optimization is required to increase sensitivity for full virus detection.
Key Findings:
- The current SERS substrates could detect the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein effectively at 1:200 concentration.
- Optimization of nanoparticle size is required to enhance Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) for full virus detection.
- Potential integration of machine learning to automate the detection process and increase the accuracy of identifying COVID-19 infection.
Image Description: Nikalyte’s gold-enhanced SERS sensor for SARS-CoV-2 screening, detecting the virus’ spike protein on facemasks
Note: Full details of the project and results can be found in the poster here
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