Electrochemical sensor for human norovirus based on covalent organic framework/pillararene heterosupramolecular nanocomposites

Noroviruses are the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis and food-borne diseases worldwide. Thus, a rapid, accurate, and easy-to-implement detection method for controlling infection and monitoring progression is urgently needed. In this study, we constructed a novel sandwich-type electrochemical biosensor integrated with two specific recognition elements (aptamer and peptide) for human norovirus (HuNoV). The electrochemical biosensor was fabricated using magnetic covalent organic framework/pillararene heterosupramolecular nano-composites (MB@Apt@WP5A@Au@COF@Fe3O4) as the signal probes. The sensor showed high accuracy and selectivity. The detection method does not need the extraction and amplification of virus nucleic acid and has a short turn-around time. Intriguingly, the proposed biosensor had a limit of detection of 0.84 copy mL(-1) for HuNoV, which was the highest sensitivity among published assays. The proposed biosensor showed higher sensitivity and accuracy compared with immunochromatographic assay in the detection of 98 clinical specimens. The biosensor was capable of determining the predominant infection strain of GII.4 and also GII.3 and achieved 74% selectivity for HuNoV GII group. This study provides a potential method for point-of-care testing and highlights the integrated utilization of Apt and peptide in sensor construction.

Automated summary

This study introduces a novel detection method for norovirus with high sensitivity and accuracy, without the need for virus nucleic acid extraction and amplification, suitable for clinical testing.