New Carbon Nanotube-Based Sensor Can Detect SARS-CoV-2 Proteins

Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) announced the development of novel nanosensors for the detection of nucleocapsid and spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in a Nov. 10, 2021 press release. The Corona Phase Molecular Recognition (CoPhMoRe) sensors were born out of a collaboration between MIT and InnoTech Precision Medicine, an early-stage diagnostics company. and developed within a short timeframe of 10 days.

According to research findings published in Analytical Chemistry in October 2021 (1), researchers used single-walled carbon nanotubes and polymers to develop the CoPhMoRe sensors. These sensors aim to provide a platform for quick development of fast and accurate diagnostic, monitoring, and surveillance tests for detection of current and emergent pathogens.

“New technologies using innovative material and strategies are key for quick and efficient diagnosis and disease control.” said Roya Khosravi-Far, CEO and co-founder of InnoTech, in the press release. “Conventional diagnostics are expensive, specialized, and slow to develop; we need to modernize our diagnostic tests to drive robust public health response to existing and emerging threats.”

Reference

1. Cho Soo-Yeon, et al. Anal Chem. online, 93 (44) (Nov. 9, 2021)

Source: InnoTech Precision Medicine