VIR-CRISPR: Visual in-one-tube ultrafast RT-PCR and CRISPR method for instant SARS-CoV-2 detection

Until now, corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remained to be an enormous threat for global health. As one viral illness induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), versatile, rapid and sensitive method for SARS-CoV-2 detection in early stage is urgently needed. Here, we reported an ultrasensitive and visual in-one-tube detection method which could be accomplished within half an hour from sampling -to-result. By integrating all reactions in one tube, liquid handling steps were omitted and amplicon contamina-tion could be totally avoided. Magnetic beads were employed to achieve the fast extraction of viral nucleic acid and increase the sensitivity. Using portable thermocycler and blue light, the fluorescent results could be directly observed by naked eyes. The proposed method is of higher specificity and sensitivity, nearly at single molecule

Automated summary

In this study, an ultrasensitive and visual in-one-tube detection method for COVID-19 was developed. The method can be completed within half an hour and is of great significance for early detection of the virus. By integrating all reactions in one tube and using magnetic beads for nucleic acid extraction, the method eliminates liquid handling steps and increases sensitivity. The fluorescent results can be directly observed by naked eyes using portable thermocycler and blue light.