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Rapid and sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus in human saliva samples using glycan based nanozyme: a clinical study

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Abstract

A highly sensitive colorimetric method (glycan-based nano(e)zyme) was developed for sensitive and rapid detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus based on N-acetyl neuraminic acid (sialic acid)-functionalized gold nanoparticles (SA-Au NZs). A number of techniques were used to characterize the prepared nanomaterials including XRD, FT-IR, UV–vis, DLS, and TEM. DLS analysis indicates an average hydrodynamic size of 34 nm, whereas TEM analysis indicates an average particle size of 15.78 nm. This observation confirms that water interacts with nanoparticle surfaces, resulting in a large hydrodynamic diameter. The peroxidase-like activity of SA-Au NZs was examined with SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses (influenza A (H1N1), influenza A (H3N2), and influenza B). UV–visible spectroscopy was used to monitor and record the results, as well as naked eye detection (photographs). SA-Au NZs exhibit a change in color from light red to purple when SARS-CoV-2 is present, and they exhibit a redshift in their spectrum. N-acetyl neuraminic acid interacts with SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein, confirming its ability to bind glycans. As a result, SA-Au NZs can detect COVID-19 with sensitivity and specificity of over 95% and 98%, respectively. This method was approved by testing saliva samples from 533 suspected individuals at Ghaem Hospital of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated by comparing the results with the definitive results. The positive results were accompanied by a color change from bright red to purple within five minutes. Statistical analysis was performed based on variables such as age, gender, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, and lung involvement. In clinical trials, it was demonstrated that this method can be used to diagnose SARS-CoV-2 in a variety of places, such as medical centers, hospitals, airports, universities, and schools.

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Funding

This work has been financially supported by the Mashhad University Science Research Council (MUMS/992426). This research was approved by the Ethical Committee of the Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (IRMUMS.REC.1400.156).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical Engineering and Energy, Quchan University of Technology, Quchan, 94771-67335, Iran

    Mehrdad Rokni, Tahereh Rohani Bastami & Zeynab Dabirifar

  2. Industrial Biotechnology Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

    Tahereh Rohani Bastami

  3. Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

    Zahra Meshkat

  4. Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

    Hamid Reza Rahimi

  5. Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Mashhad, Iran

    Saeed Zibaee

  6. Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran

    Mojtaba Meshkat

  7. Department of Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran

    Fatemeh Fotouhi

  8. Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad, Iran Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

    Elham Serki & Mahdieh Khoshakhlagh

Authors
  1. Mehrdad Rokni
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  2. Tahereh Rohani Bastami
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  4. Hamid Reza Rahimi
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  7. Fatemeh Fotouhi
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  10. Zeynab Dabirifar
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Contributions

Tahereh Rohani Bastami designed the nano biosensor, performed the data interpretation, and supervised the research team. Mehrdad Rokni fabricated the nano biosensor and tested 533 people. Zeynab Dabirifar helped with the fabrication of nano-biosensor and tests of people. Zahra Meshkat and Hamidreza Rahimi designed the protocol for the test of people. Zahra Meshkat conducted the RT-PCR results and interpretation of the results. Saeed Zibaee provided the inactivated SARS-CoV-2. Fatemeh Fotouhi provided the influenza viruses. Mojtaba Meshkat performed the statistical analysis. Elham Serki and Mahdieh Khoshakhlagh carried out RT-PCR.

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Correspondence to Tahereh Rohani Bastami or Zahra Meshkat.

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Rokni, M., Rohani Bastami, T., Meshkat, Z. et al. Rapid and sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus in human saliva samples using glycan based nanozyme: a clinical study. Microchim Acta 191, 36 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00604-023-06120-3

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