Team Members:
Lidia Fernanda Vazquez
Riam Badr
Mentors:
Dr. Melissa Ledgerwood-Lee
Dr. Eliah Aronoff-Spencer (Co-Mentor)
Dr. Drew Hall (Co-Mentor)
Abstract
Current technologies for detecting and preventing SARS-CoV-2 are hindered by insufficient specificity and slow real-time analysis. The primary detection method, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), is not only time-consuming but also limited in terms of speed and accessibility. Moreover, the virus's frequent mutations necessitate rapid identification and the development of adaptive detection methods. The existing detection technologies' lack of specificity often results in a high number of false negatives and fails to identify presymptomatic cases. These challenges underscore the need for advancements in creating more precise and swift point-of-care devices for detecting SARS-CoV-2. The integration of electrochemical biosensors represents a promising step forward in meeting these critical needs. Our proposed design involves developing a real-time electrochemical sensor specifically aimed at detecting the D614G mutation. This sensor will use gold disc electrodes and employ both cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The objective is to create a rapid, point-of-care device that can swiftly identify emerging variants, enhancing early detection and increasing accessibility in lower-income communities.Moreover, the biosensor and electrochemical protocol we developed rigorously adhere to specifications for detecting COVID-19 mutations. This approach achieves high sensitivity and specificity via controlled DNA hybridization, where target DNA binds to probes immobilized on electrode surfaces. To enhance the accuracy and performance of our biosensor, we utilize blocking agents, specifically 6-mercapto-1-hexanol (6-MCH) and dithiothreitol (DDT). These agents are critical in preventing non-specific binding, thereby optimizing the biosensor's functionality. Our experiments demonstrated that variations in temperature during target binding did not adversely affect DNA hybridization. Incubation overnight proved to be the most effective method for achieving optimal probe attachment and subsequent target binding to the gold electrode surface. Additionally, using a buffer with PBS was found to be more effective than water for the functionalization of the electrode surface. These modifications in experimental parameters led to a noticeable shift in the response curves, indicating successful target attachment. In future work, we aim to enhance the sensitivity of our biosensor by conducting thorough sensitivity assessments and setting precise detection thresholds. Additionally, we plan to perform comparative performance analyses across various electrode configurations to further refine the biosensor design. The adoption of advanced data interpretation methods, along with the integration of micro-electrodes and biocamera barcode systems, will significantly expand the capabilities of our biosensor.
Abet Addendum
Lidia Fernandez Vasquez
Riam Badr
Team Selfie