Nano-assisted Detection of SARS-CoV-۲: Recent Advances and Future Directions

In December ۲۰۱۹, an infectious respiratory disease caused by a new severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (SARS-CoV-۲), was reported in the city of Wuhan in China. Due to its fast expansion, the so-called “COVID-۱۹” disease rapidly turned into a global pandemic and brought unprecedented challenges for the global community. Since its declaration by the world health organization (WHO) in February ۲۰۲۰, all healthcare professionals throughout the world have been trying to mitigate the spread of this virus and manage this disaster. Amongst various ongoing efforts, early detection of this virus and diagnosis of individuals and groups whom are infected with SARS-CoV-۲ are pivotal steps that should be accomplished in the earliest possible moment. Nanostructures which are often used for targeting specific biological markers, can be considered as potential candidates for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-۲, especially when fast, portable, easy-to-use, and accurate in-field detection kits are required. In this Review, we have summarized recent advances in the detection of coronaviruses in which nanostructures have been utilized to either generate or amplify the detection signal. Potential benefits of implementing nanostructures in the detection of SARS-CoV-۲ has also been demonstrated. The applicability of coupling current detection methods with smartphone-based platforms, array-based sensing systems, wearable gadgets and other future directions of SARS-CoV-۲ detection techniques have been further discussed.

Keywords:

Nanostructures , Sensors , early detection , Coronaviruses , SARS-CoV-۲ , Global pandemic , Virus Infection