Aerosol-jet-printed graphene electrochemical immunosensors for rapid and label-free detection of SARS-CoV-2 in saliva

Rapid, inexpensive, and easy-to-use coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) home tests are key tools in addition to vaccines in the world wide fight to eliminate national and local shutdowns. However, currently available tests for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, are too expensive, painful, and irritating, or not sufficiently sensitive for routine, accurate home testing. Herein, we employ custom-formulated graphene inks and aerosol jet printing to create a rapid electrochemical immunosensor for direct detection of SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) in saliva samples acquired noninvasively. This sensor demonstrated limits of detection that are considerably lower than most commercial SARS-CoV-2 antigen tests (22.91 +/- 4.72 pg ml(-1) for spike RBD and 110.38 +/- 9.00 pg ml(-1) for spike S1) as well as fast response time (similar to 30 min), which was facilitated by the functionalization of printed graphene electrodes in a single-step with SARS-CoV-2 polyclonal antibody through the carbodiimide reaction without the need for nanoparticle functionalization or secondary antibody or metallic nanoparticle labels. This immunosensor presents a wide linear sensing range from 1 to 1000 ng ml(-1) and does not react with other coexisting influenza viruses such as H1N1 hemagglutinin. By combining high-yield graphene ink synthesis, automated printing, high antigen selectivity, and rapid testing capability, this work offers a promising alternative to current SARS-CoV-2 antigen tests.

Automated summary

In this study, a rapid electrochemical immunosensor was developed using custom-formulated graphene inks and aerosol jet printing. The sensor demonstrated lower limits of detection and fast response time compared to most commercial SARS-CoV-2 antigen tests. It utilized a single-step functionalization of graphene electrodes with SARS-CoV-2 polyclonal antibody, eliminating the need for nanoparticle functionalization or secondary antibody or metallic nanoparticle labels. The immunosensor had a wide linear sensing range and did not react with other coexisting influenza viruses.