Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Alexis Scholtz, Anuradha Ramoji, Anja Silge, Jakob R. Jansson, Ian G. de Moura, Jurgen Popp, Jakub P. Sram, Andrea M. Armani
Summary: The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in winter of 2020 led to rapid advancements in diagnostic technologies to monitor and combat the spread of the virus, ultimately reducing its impact on society. These developments have also laid the foundation for new platform technologies, which will continue to be crucial in addressing future epidemics.
Review
Pathology
Larissa May, Nam Tran, Nathan A. Ledeboer
Summary: Despite advances in SARS-CoV-2 point-of-care testing, challenges remain in implementing these technologies in the emergency department. A shift in paradigm is necessary to enhance diagnosis and clinical outcomes.
EXPERT REVIEW OF MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Juan Garcia-Bernalt Diego, Pedro Fernandez-Soto, Antonio Muro
Summary: Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the scientific community has developed tools for disease control and management at an unprecedented pace. This article discusses the main approaches to rapid and point-of-care diagnostics based on RT-qPCR and isothermal amplification diagnostics. It also explores the impact of molecular diagnostics improvement during the COVID-19 pandemic on the future of other infectious diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shivangi Sachdeva, Ronald W. Davis, Amit K. Saha
Summary: POCT allows physicians to detect and diagnose diseases faster than conventional lab-based testing, with particular importance in the COVID-19 pandemic. There are various point-of-care tests and diagnostic devices available in the market, including glucose monitoring, pregnancy testing, and infectious disease testing.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Neda Rafat, Hanhao Zhang, Josiah Rudge, Yoo Na Kim, Sai Preetham Peddireddy, Nabojeet Das, Aniruddh Sarkar
Summary: Inexpensive and sensitive biomarker detection is crucial for the diagnostics and surveillance of infectious diseases. Multiplexed detection using nanostructured catalytic surfaces enables sensitive and quantitative electronic readout of biomarker binding without the need for optical devices.
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Michalina Marta Kolodziejczak, Katarzyna Sierakowska, Yurii Tkachenko, Piotr Kowalski
Summary: The development of AI has led to the creation of technologies that replicate human thinking, senses, and problem-solving abilities, resulting in automation, rapid data analysis, and accelerated tasks. These solutions have been initially used in medical fields relying on image analysis but can be further enhanced through AI-based advancements. The COVID-19 pandemic has seen a widespread adoption of novel AI technologies based on big data analysis. However, there are still shortcomings that need to be addressed to ensure the highest level of performance, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs). AI-based technologies have the potential to manage various factors and data affecting clinical decision making and work management in the ICU, such as early detection of patient deterioration, identification of unknown prognostic parameters, and improvement of work organization.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Chuljin Hwang, Nakkyun Park, Eun Seong Kim, Miran Kim, Su Dong Kim, Sungjun Park, Nam Young Kim, Joo Hee Kim
Summary: This study introduces a label-free DNA capacitive biosensor for SARS-CoV-2 detection, offering real-time, low-cost, and high-throughput screening of nucleic acid samples. The biosensor validates specific DNA sequences' hybridization signals through comprehensive physicochemical analytical techniques, demonstrating significant sensitivity in detecting the conserved region of the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp gene.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Raymond Pranata, Joshua Henrina, Wilson Matthew Raffaello, Sherly Lawrensia, Ian Huang
Summary: Diabetes patients have poor prognosis in COVID-19, with blood sugar management being crucial. Patients using insulin should continue for tight glucose control. Integration of technologies is changing the landscape of diabetes care.
METABOLISM-CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Midori Johnston, H. Ceren Ates, Regina T. Glatz, Hasti Mohsenin, Rosanne Schmachtenberg, Nathalie Goeppert, Daniela Huzly, Gerald A. Urban, Wilfried Weber, Can Dincer
Summary: This study proposes an electrochemical microfluidic multiplexed polymer-based biosensor combined with CRISPR/Cas-powered assays for low-cost and accessible point-of-care nucleic acid testing. The method allows simultaneous screening and identification of SARS-CoV-2 infections while bypassing reverse transcription and target amplification steps. Moreover, the study demonstrates the feasibility of combining different types of synthetic biology-driven assays on the same device, providing a promising on-site tool for rapid diagnosis and disease monitoring.
Article
Biophysics
Tongjia Kang, Jingming Lu, Tian Yu, Yi Long, Guozhen Liu
Summary: Achieving superhigh sensitivity is the ultimate goal in modern bio-detection. Nucleic acid amplification technologies (NAATs) are revolutionizing the field, offering novel methods for diagnosis with high efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This review discusses the principles, recent advancements, strengths, and challenges of different NAATs, with a focus on rapid and accurate point-of-care diagnosis. The application of these technologies in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic is also explored, emphasizing the significance of NAATs in combating the disease. Furthermore, the potential for enhancing sensitivity and specificity in biodetection through NAATs is discussed, aiming to fully exploit the capabilities of each technique.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Ana L. Patricio Silva, Joana C. Prata, Catherine Mouneyrac, Damia Barcelo, Armando C. Duarte, Teresa Rocha-Santos
Summary: The use of disposable face masks has become essential during the COVID-19 pandemic, but improper disposal has led to a new form of environmental contamination and adverse effects on wildlife. Effective remediation strategies are needed to address this issue.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Decsa Medika Hertanto, Bayu Satria Wiratama, Henry Sutanto, Citrawati Dyah Kencono Wungu
Summary: Efforts have been made globally to develop SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and find COVID-19 pharmacological therapies, but challenges remain, as some repurposed drugs have proven ineffective and the potential benefits of immune modulation and suppression are worth further exploration.
JOURNAL OF INFLAMMATION RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Yousef Rasmi, Xiaokang Li, Johra Khan, Tugba Ozer, Jane Ru Choi
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic poses a serious global health threat and there is an urgent need for rapid and user-friendly diagnostic tools. Point-of-care biosensors, including chip-based and paper-based biosensors, offer a promising solution for remote and resource-limited settings due to their rapid, affordable, and portable nature. The review highlights the importance of early diagnosis of COVID-19 and discusses the advancements in POC biosensors categorized into chip-based, paper-based, and other biosensors, with a focus on detecting key biomarkers. The commercial POC biosensors for COVID-19 are critically evaluated, along with key challenges and future perspectives in developing these emerging technologies.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Matteo Pavan, Stefano Moro
Summary: Since its outbreak in December 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a global crisis, with millions of deaths. The urgency of finding suitable drugs has highlighted the importance of computer simulations in drug design. This study provides an overview of the pandemic, discusses drug management efforts, and explores the role of computer-aided drug discovery techniques in facing present and future pandemics.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Yasasve Madhavan, Kadambari Vijay Sai, Dilip Kumar Shanmugam, Aashabharathi Manimaran, Karthigadevi Guruviah, Yugal Kishore Mohanta, Divyambika Catakapatri Venugopal, Tapan Kumar Mohanta, Nanaocha Sharma, Saravanan Muthupandian
Summary: Mucormycosis, also known as COVID-19 associated mucormycosis (CAM), is increasingly associated with COVID-19 and poses challenges in treatment due to antifungal resistance and underlying comorbidities. Early diagnosis, reversal of risk factors, and a multifaceted treatment strategy are critical in controlling this invasive fungal infection.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rashid Ahmed, Robin Augustine, Enrique Valera, Anurup Ganguli, Nasrin Mesaeli, Irfan S. Ahmad, Rashid Bashir, Anwarul Hasan
Summary: Spatial mapping of gene expression in cancer tissues can enhance our understanding of cancers and improve cancer detection accuracy. Recent advancements in OMICS technologies have the potential to map biopsy tissue samples and their molecular profiles at a single-cell level. However, further developments are needed for the widespread and effective application of these technologies.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-REVIEWS ON CANCER
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Nantao Li, Bin Zhao, Robert Stavins, Ana Sol Peinetti, Neha Chauhan, Rashid Bashir, Brian T. Cunningham, William P. King, Yi Lu, Xing Wang, Enrique Valera
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted limitations in current infectious disease diagnosis models, but efforts are underway to develop more effective rapid tests and address cost and time barriers for new test kits. Nanomaterials and nanochemistry show promise in enabling simpler workflows, high sensitivity, and scalable manufacturing for improved virus detection.
CURRENT OPINION IN SOLID STATE & MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anurup Ganguli, Jongwon Lim, Ariana Mostafa, Carlos Saavedra, Archith Rayabharam, Narayana R. Aluru, Matthew Wester, Karen C. White, James Kumar, Reubin McGuffin, Ann Frederick, Enrique Valera, Rashid Bashir
Summary: In this study, we introduce a new approach to blood-based diagnostics that allows for rapid drying of large blood volumes and access to target nucleic acid through physical networks. We demonstrate single-molecule sensitivity and detect a broad spectrum of pathogens using loop-mediated isothermal amplification. Validation with clinical samples shows high sensitivity and specificity, along with a significant reduction in sample-to-result time.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Jiaojiao Wang, Yueji Wang, Yongdeok Kim, Tianqi Yu, Rashid Bashir
Summary: Biohybrid robots, composed of cellular actuators and synthetic scaffolds, have gained attention for their biological advantages. These robots can mimic life-like movements and require complex functionality and robust fabrication processes for walking or crawling. A new fabrication approach has been developed to create multi-actuator biohybrid walkers with multi-directional walking capabilities through noninvasive optical stimulation.
APL BIOENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Rafael Mestre, Judith Fuentes, Laura Lefaix, Jiaojiao Wang, Maria Guix, Gonzalo Murillo, Rashid Bashir, Samuel Sanchez
Summary: Biohybrid robots, or bio-bots, integrate living and synthetic materials to acquire unique properties of biological organisms that are difficult to obtain using artificial materials alone. This study demonstrates that incorporating boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) with piezoelectric properties into muscle-based bio-bots can improve their force output and motion speed. The improved performance is hypothesized to be a result of the electric field generated by the nanocomposites due to stresses produced by the cells during differentiation.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Roxana M. Calderon-Olvera, Encarnacion Arroyo, Aaron M. Jankelow, Rashid Bashir, Enrique Valera, Manuel Ocana, Ana Isabel Becerro
Summary: This study synthesized highly uniform Mn-doped Zn2GeO4 nanoparticles using a one-pot, microwave-assisted hydrothermal method with polyacrylic acid as an additive. The nanoparticles showed good dispersibility, high chemical stability, and surface functionalization. The presence of carboxylate groups allows for the conjugation of biomolecules and the development of a persistent luminescence-based sandwich immunoassay for the detection of interleukin-6 in human serum and plasma samples.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Enrique Valera, Victoria Kindratenko, Aaron M. Jankelow, John Heredia, Alicia Y. Kim, Thomas W. Cowell, Chih-Lin Chen, Karen White, Hee-Sun Han, Rashid Bashir
Summary: Sepsis is a life-threatening disease caused by a dysregulated immune system during an infectious process. It is a major cause of hospital mortality and readmissions in the United States. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for reducing mortality, and electrochemical-based point-of-care detection platforms offer potential solutions due to their high sensitivity, fast response, miniaturization capabilities, and low cost. In this review, we discuss the current state, limitations, and future directions of these platforms for sepsis diagnosis and monitoring.
CURRENT OPINION IN ELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jongwon Lim, Shuaizhen Zhou, Janice Baek, Alicia Yeaeun Kim, Enrique Valera, Jonathan Sweedler, Rashid Bashir
Summary: The presence of inhibitors in blood makes their use in nucleic acid amplification techniques difficult. A biphasic method is developed to address this issue, which involves drying blood to physically trap inhibitors and allow for DNA amplification. This method significantly improves detection limits for bacteria and has the potential to be used as a diagnostic platform for pathogen detection in blood.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Jongwon Lim, Robert Stavins, Victoria Kindratenko, Janice Baek, Leyi Wang, Karen White, James Kumar, Enrique Valera, William Paul King, Rashid Bashir
Summary: This study presents a microfluidic assay and device for rapid detection and differentiation of the Alpha variant and early strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in saliva samples. The detection assay utilizes isothermal RT-LAMP amplification and takes advantage of the S-gene target failure to distinguish between different variants using a binary detection system. Clinical sample testing confirms the high sensitivity and specificity of the developed point-of-care device.
