Fast detection of SARS-CoV-2 using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Summary

Fast detection of oligonucleotide targets (COVID-19) is to be performed with silver nanoparticles (plasmonics) and oligonucleotides probes marked with Raman markers. In what is called Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS), the plasmonics act as a booster for the Raman scattering signal from marked probes that have been picked up by Covid-19 RNA. The approach allows the great sensitivity and significant selectivity features of SERS identification added to the swiftness of the technology.   Furthermore, the technique allows for multiplexing and rationing capabilities because several probes can be targeted built on the conception of employing a Raman marker as a fine band spectroscopic fingerprint. The method is capable to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms and would differentiate the Covid-19 virus from others associated with similar symptoms e.g. regular flu. The proposed procedure can be applied for the detection of the virus, both in the “solid” or solution form.  The current un-optimized detection limit of this method is 20 FM. The objectives for this project are to minimize the required time to less than 0.5 hr., the cost too much less than an existing combinative procedure like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection, so a rapid simple and inexpensive direct detection of unamplified COVID-19 RNA extracted from clinical samples using SERS will satisfy this great urgent need.

Achievements

List of Publications from the Project

Partners

Project Members

Project Leaders

• Tamer Abdallah Fathy Sharaf