Rapid Nanomechanical Diagnostic Assay for SARS-CoV-2 and Other Pulmonary Diseases Detection

NU 2021-142

INVENTORS

• Gajendra Shekhawat*
• Vinayak Dravid

SHORT DESCRIPTION
This invention introduces a nanomechanical diagnostic assay leveraging microcantilevers for the rapid and specific detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigens, achieving results in under 10 minutes with high sensitivity and selectivity.

BACKGROUND
Rapid detection of respiratory pathogens often encounters hurdles related to sensitivity, specificity, and rapid analysis, exacerbated by the low antigen concentrations present during early infection stages and the variability of biological sample matrices. Conventional diagnostic techniques like PCR and immunoassays, while widely used, typically require lengthy processing times, extensive sample preparation, and sometimes struggle with cross-reactivity or errors due to non-specific binding. Additionally, the evolving nature of viral strains demands diagnostic methods that can reliably differentiate among closely related variants while maintaining performance across diverse samples such as swabs, saliva, blood, and even exhaled breath, ultimately highlighting the need for advanced approaches that can provide fast, accurate, and multiplexed detection in point-of-care settings. 

ABSTRACT
This invention provides a cutting-edge nanomechanical sensor platform for rapid and highly sensitive detection of respiratory pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2. It uses tiny, gold-coated silicon cantilevers functionalized with specific antibodies to detect viral proteins. When antigens bind to these antibodies, the cantilevers bend slightly, and this movement is measured in real-time using optical or electrical methods.  The system also supports simultaneous detection of multiple pathogens and can identify viral variants, making it a powerful tool for quick and accurate diagnostics in clinical and point-of-care settings.  The novel sensing method has demonstrated high specificity and sensitivity with nasopharyngeal swab specimens, providing results in less than 10 minutes. The results show consistency with qRT-PCR results, as well as offering potential for detecting weaker binding variants.

APPLICATIONS

• Clinical Diagnostic Systems for Respiratory Pathogens
  • Platform technology for use in both laboratory and point‐of‐care settings for rapid, sensitive, and specific identification of SARS-CoV-2 and other related respiratory pathogens.

ADVANTAGES

• Rapid Detection
  • Platform delivers results in under 5 minutes
• Enhanced Sensitivity
  • Surpasses traditional immunoassays with LOD as low as 100 copies/ml
• Superior Selectivity
  • Functionalization of microcantilevers with antibodies minimizes cross-reactivity
• Multiplexing Capabilities
  • use of microcantilever arrays enables simultaneous detection of multiple targets

PUBLICATIONS
Gajendra S. Shekhawat, Vinayak P. Dravid, et al., "Highly sensitive and ultra-rapid antigen-based detection of SARS-CoV-2 using nanomechanical sensor platform" Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 195, 1 January 2022.

IP STATUS
US Patent Pending