Identifying SARS-CoV-2 Variants Using Single-Molecule Conductance Measurements

• DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c02734
• Publication Date: 2024-05-22T07:30:46Z
• Authors: Zahra Aminiranjbar; Caglanaz Akin Gul...; Mashari Nasser Al...; Yiren Wang; Busra Demir; Zeynep Koker; Arindam K. Das; M. P. Anantram; Ersin Emre Oren; Joshua Hihath
• Keywords: Sequence (biology)

The global COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for rapid, reliable, and efficient detection of biological agents necessity tracking changes in genetic material as new SARS-CoV-2 variants emerge. Here, we demonstrate that RNA-based, single-molecule conductance experiments can be used to identify specific SARS-CoV-2. To this end, (i) select target sequences interest variants, (ii) utilize break junction measurements obtain histograms each sequence its potential mutations, (iii) employ XGBoost machine learning classifier rapidly presence molecules solution with a limited number traces. This approach allows high-specificity high-sensitivity RNA less than 20 base pairs length by utilizing complementary DNA probe capable binding target. We use directly detect concerns B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.351 (Beta), B.1.617.2 (Delta), B.1.1.529 (Omicron) further is sensitive nucleotide mismatches, thus broadening identification capabilities system. Thus, our experimental methodology detects well recognizes emergence they arise.