A new COVID-19 rapid testing method has been developed by NYU Abu Dhabi researchers using an adhesive bandage that uses gold nanoparticles to quickly detect immune antibodies in the bloodstream.
IgM and IgG antibodies, which are naturally produced by SARS-CoV-2 infection, are useful biomarkers for identifying infected individuals and monitoring the spread of pandemics. Utilizing antigens specific to the emerging pathogens, the cutting-edge bandage technology can be quickly modified to detect additional pathogenic infections in future pandemics.
Similar to how we cover and protect wounds with regular bandages, the test can be performed at home by applying the special adhesive bandage to a pinprick fingertip. It works with gold nanoparticles, which are engineered tiny particles based on nanotechnology. They are one billionth of a meter in diameter and have antigens, which are specific keys that are only found in SARS-CoV-2.
“This user-friendly test quickly and accurately identifies the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2, providing users with critical information about their immune response to the infection,”
Muhammedin Deliorman, one of the first authors of the study and a Research Scientist in Qasaimeh’s Group.
In tandem with key-lock mechanisms, these keys are engineered using nanotechnology to recognize and bind to IgM and IgG antibodies with high specificity and sensitivity. Within minutes, this is accompanied by a color change that indicates the individual’s infection status—either uninfected or infected with early immune, active immune, or immune responses.
The bandage is cheap and can be thrown away, so it could be used for large-scale detection and screening in homes, public places, and rural areas without access to high-end testing facilities.
In a paper that was published in the journal Microsystems and Nanoengineering, the NYU Abu Dhabi research team, led by Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering Mohammad Qasaimeh, described the process of developing this brand-new testing technology.
“This easy-to-use test rapidly and precisely recognizes the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, giving clients basic data about their safe reaction to the disease,” said Muhammedin Deliorman, perhaps the earliest creator of the review and an Exploration Researcher in Qasaimeh’s Gathering.
“In the future, we will investigate the capability of this technology to detect and screen for additional emerging viral infections.” We likewise plan to consolidate biodegradable permeable microneedles into the swathe, empowering proficient finger pricking by means of in-situ penetrating.
Moreover, Imen Boumar, one of the primary creators of the review and a previous examination right hand in Qasaimeh’s Gathering, added, “We want to add to further developed diagnostics and help people with their wellbeing across the board, eventually improving our capacity to battle and control irresistible illnesses on a worldwide scale.”
“Importantly, real-time screening of viral infections using tests such as the invented adhesive bandage can play a crucial role in preventing future outbreaks and pandemics by enabling early detection,” Qasaimeh stated. Local governments and health authorities will be able to generate location-based heat maps in the future to enable the early identification of infected individuals, including those who are asymptomatic, if the widespread use of such adhesive bandage tests is combined with smart phone readouts and dedicated mobile apps. The virus’s spread can be significantly reduced by quickly isolating and treating these individuals, preventing its spread to a larger population.”
More information: Imen Boumar et al, Spike- and nucleocapsid-based gold colloid assay toward the development of an adhesive bandage for rapid SARS-CoV-2 immune response detection and screening, Microsystems & Nanoengineering (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41378-023-00554-8
