The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the world how critical early and accurate detection of infectious diseases is to protect public health. A new study highlights how gold nanoparticles can significantly improve the performance of biosensors used to detect the genetic material of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Researchers modified screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) with gold nanoparticles using two techniques: drop casting (DC) and spray coating (SC). These modifications allowed the electrode surface to become more conductive, enabling the biosensor to detect the virus’s RNA more effectively. The process works by attaching single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) probes to the gold surface. When these probes meet the matching viral RNA, a reaction occurs that can be measured, making detection possible without additional labels or chemicals.
The results showed that the drop casting method produced a higher sensitivity, with a lower detection limit of 0.166 μg/mL, compared to 0.694 μg/mL for spray coating. While spray coating provided a more uniform distribution of nanoparticles, drop casting enabled stronger signal responses, making it more suitable for applications requiring very high sensitivity.
Both methods were proven selective, meaning they could distinguish between the target viral RNA and non-target genetic material, ensuring accurate results. These findings underline the potential of gold nanoparticle-modified biosensors to be developed into rapid, sensitive, and reliable diagnostic tools for infectious diseases.
This innovation directly supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being, which emphasizes the importance of strengthening healthcare technologies to combat global health threats. By improving biosensor performance, this research contributes to faster detection and better disease management, paving the way for future diagnostic tools beyond COVID-19.
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Link to the paper: https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105001696529
39/Kim/2025
