Advances in rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 by mass spectrometry

COVID-19 has already been lasting for more than two years and it has been severely affecting the whole world. Still, detection of SARS-CoV-2 remains the frontline approach to combat the pandemic, and the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-based method is the well recognized detection method for the enormous analytical demands. However, the RT-PCR method typically takes a relatively long time, and can produce false positive and false negative results. Mass spectrometry (MS) is a very commonly used technique with extraordinary sensitivity, specificity and speed, and can produce quali-tative and quantitative information of various analytes, which cannot be achieved by RT-PCR. Since the pandemic outbreak, various mass spectrometric approaches have been developed for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2, including the LC-MS/MS approaches that could allow analysis of several hundred clinical samples per day with one MS system, MALDI-MS approaches that could directly analyze clinical samples for the detection, and efforts for the on-site detection with portable devices. In this review, these mass spectrometric approaches were summarized, and their pros and cons as well as further development were also discussed.(c) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

COVID-19 has been affecting the world for more than two years. The reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method, although widely used, has limitations in terms of time and accuracy. Mass spectrometry (MS) offers high sensitivity, specificity, and speed, providing qualitative and quantitative information that RT-PCR cannot achieve. Various mass spectrometric approaches have been developed for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2, including LC-MS/MS and MALDI-MS methods, as well as efforts for on-site detection with portable devices. This review summarizes these approaches, discusses their advantages, disadvantages, and future development.