A label-free nanowell-based impedance sensor for ten-minute SARS-CoV-2 detection

Abstract

This work explores label-free biosensing as an effective method for biomolecular analysis, ensuring the preservation of native conformation and biological activity. The focus is on a novel electronic biosensing platform utilizing micro-fabricated nanowell-based impedance sensors, offering rapid, point-of-care diagnosis for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) detection. The nanowell sensor, constructed on a silica substrate through a series of microfabrication processes including deposition, patterning, and etching, features a 5 × 5 well array functionalized with antibodies. Real-time impedance changes within the nanowell array enable diagnostic results within ten minutes using small sample volumes (<5 μL). The research includes assays for SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and artificial saliva buffers to mimic real human SARS-CoV-2 samples, covering a wide range of concentrations. The sensor exhibits a detection limit of 0.2 ng mL⁻¹ (1.5 pM) for spike proteins. Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV) spike proteins are differentiated from SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins, demonstrating specificity.