The NanoChemBio research groups of the Biosanitary Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA) and the ECsens research group, both belonging to the Unit of Excellence of Chemistry Applied to Biomedicine and the Environment of the University of Granada, together with DESTINA Genomica SL present a new method for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in saliva samples called CoVradar along with the application CoVreader, which simplifies and accelerates the COVID-19 detection process.
The study reveals the potential of CoVradar, which integrates nucleic acid analysis technology with DESTINA Genomica SL's innovative dynamic chemical labeling technology, together with the Spin-Tube device designed to capture RNA fragments. Patterns of dots visible to the human eye are generated in the membrane that forms the Spin-Tube, which allows us to clearly differentiate the presence or absence of the COVID-19 virus in the sample. It is important to highlight that these patterns are unique and distinctive whether the virus RNA is present or not, thus facilitating accurate and reliable detection of the virus.
The most interesting thing about this solution is the integration with the device CoVreader, that turns any smartphone into a CoVradar results reader. An adapter attaches perfectly to the Spin-tube allowing the phone's camera to capture the image. The application, programmed specifically for this purpose, processes the image and displays the test result on the device screen. This result can be sent to medical services through messaging applications, social networks or email. Both the adapter and the application are compatible with most mobile phones available on the market.
This scientific advance has been developed in collaboration between the research groups of ibs.GRANADA and the University of Granada together with the company DESTINA Genomica SL., located in the PTS of Granada. The development of CoVradar and CoVreader has been carried out in the R&D department of DESTINA, the GENYO Center and the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Granada. The saliva samples used have been obtained through an agreement for the transfer of biological samples with the Biobank of the Public Health System of Andalusia. This research has been financed mainly by FEDER/Junta de Andalucía-Consejería de Economía y Conocimiento funds with Project CV20-77741.
In conclusion, CoVradar and CoVreader provide a unique method capable of detecting SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA by eliminating the need for extraction, pre-amplification or pre-labeling procedures, saving time and significantly reducing costs. This technology promises not only to improve the fight against COVID-19, but also to open new possibilities in the detection of other infectious diseases.
About the group
The TECE18-NANOCHEMBIO research group at ibs.GRANADA is at the forefront of innovation in the field of nanotechnology and biomedicine. Its main focus is on the development of therapeutic and diagnostic tools, taking advantage of the possibilities offered by nanotechnology, biomaterials and dynamic chemistry. Among the highlighted research areas are the development of nanosystems for CAR-T therapy, a promising cancer immunotherapy technique, the development of platforms for the analysis of nucleic acids as diagnostic tools such as diaRNAgnosis, and Nano3Devices, a nanosystem multifunctionalized with theranostic applications in the detection and treatment of cancer.,The TECE18 NANOCHEMBIO group is committed to promoting science and technology to improve people's health and quality of life.
More information about the group: https://www.ibsgranada.es/grupos-de-investigacion/tece18-nanochembio/
Bibliographic reference: Martín-Sierra, C., Chavez, MT, Escobedo, P., García-Cabrera, V., López-Delgado, FJ, Guardia-Monteagudo, JJ, Ruiz-García, I., Erenas, MM, Sanchez-Martin, RM, Capitan-Vallvey, LF, Palma, AJ, Pernagallo, S., & Diaz-Mochon, JJ (2023). SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA detection using the novel CoVradar device associated with the CoVreader smartphone app. In Biosensors and Bioelectronics (Vol. 230, p. 115268). Elsevier BV. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bios.2023.115268
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