Microfluidics-Based Analysis in Molecular Diagnostics for SARS-CoV-2

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To better deal with global health threats and the infection risk of coronavirus disease, Creative Biolabs provides our clients with cutting edge one-stop microfluidics solution services for microfluidics-based analysis in molecular diagnostics for SARS-CoV-2.

SARS-CoV-2

The novel coronavirus pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2 has spread rapidly around the world since its epidemic began in 2019, becoming one of the most serious health threats in history. The main symptoms of COVID-19 infection are fever, fatigue, and dry cough, accompanied by nasal congestion, diarrhea and other upper respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms. Severe cases rapidly progress to respiratory distress syndrome, acute pneumonia, coagulation dysfunction, metabolic acidosis, shock, and multiple organ failure. Since the epidemic, extensive transmission has led to the frequent emergence of mutant strains containing a large number of mutations, and the risk of multiple infections and large-scale infections in the human body continues to increase. However, the needs for new mutation screening, transmissibility prediction, pathogenicity assessment, early rapid diagnosis and response to reinfection are still unmet.

Microfluidic Nucleic Acid Detection of SARS-CoV-2

The genome of SARS-CoV-2 was completely sequenced at the beginning of the outbreak, and its unique nucleic acid sequence provided a reliable theoretical basis for nucleic acid detection of early disease infection. According to the structural characteristics of SARS-CoV-2, the target structures commonly used for nucleic acid detection include envelope protein, spike protein, nucleocapsid protein and various RNA polymerases. The gold standard for traditional nucleic acid detection is quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR requires professional operators and complete equipment support, so it is only suitable for laboratory testing, and it is not enough to play a sufficient role in ultra-large-scale screening.

By miniaturizing the routine experimental procedure, the microfluidic system has realized the highly automated integration of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid detection protocol. A well-designed microfluidic chip can concentrate multiple steps of sample detection and processing on one chip, making high-throughput detection possible. Compared with the traditional one-by-one operation protocol, microfluidic systems significantly reduce reagent consumption and detection time with improved detection efficiency. The PCR chip can operate with the support of a simple heating element, and the development of normal temperature amplification technology has also brought more possibilities for this technology. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) have also been successfully miniaturized for microfluidic SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid detection procedures.

Fig. 1 Microfluidic detection of SARS-CoV-2.¹

Microfluidic Immunoassay of SARS-CoV-2

Although with different detection principles, all SARS-CoV-2 immunoassays are designed based on immunoaffinity binding. The spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 mainly recognizes ACE2 on the surface of human host cells and mediates subsequent virus invasion. Considering the sensitivity, timeliness, specificity, and degree of quantification of the detection, the IgG and IgM antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein are often the most commonly used targets for immune monitoring of COVID-19. A series of immunoassay methods, including fluorescent immunoassay, chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, have been successfully integrated into the microfluidic system, providing a simple and flexible option for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2. Paper chips based on the principle of lateral flow have become one of the best means of self-detection in the case of large-scale outbreaks.

Fig. 2 VP selection chip for SARS-CoV-2 detection.²

Our Services

Equipped with a complete and advanced microfabrication technology platform and cutting-edge biological theoretical knowledge, Creative Biolabs provides our clients from all over the world with one-stop microfluidics solution services for molecular diagnostics for SARS-CoV-2. You may choose our stable and verified PCR chip or detection chip products for downstream work directly, or you may discuss your needs and design sketches with our well-trained engineering team, entrusting us to manufacture and develop microfluidic systems with specific functions. We will aid you in better dealing with the crisis brought on by the COVID-19 epidemic and indulge in exploring the infinite possibilities of microfluidic science, so please don't hesitate to contact us for any needs.

References

Song, Zhang, et al. " Conventional and Microfluidic Methods for the Detection of Nucleic Acid of SARS-CoV-2." Micromachines 13.4 (2022): 636.
Gamage, Pahattuge, et al. " Microfluidic affinity selection of active SARS-CoV-2 virus particles." Science Advances 8.39 (2022): 9665.

For Research Use Only. Not For Clinical Use.