Recent Innovations in Sensing Techniques to Detect SARS-CoV-2

The emergence of the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, in 2019 has led to a global pandemic, affecting individuals across all age groups. As a member of the coronaviridae family, SARS-CoV-2 is a positive-sense RNA virus with helical symmetry nucleocapsid and distinctive spike proteins facilitating host cell binding. This virus shares characteristics with other coronaviruses, including Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV), causing a spectrum of illnesses from mild cold-like symptoms to severe respiratory distress and organ failure. Common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, dry cough, fatigue, and various other manifestations affecting multiple organ systems. The detection and diagnosis of COVID-19 rely on diverse methods, including nucleic acid-based testing, imaging, antigen or antibody testing, and emerging biosensing tools. These techniques enable the rapid identification of the virus in infected individuals, aiding in patient management and public health efforts. Additionally, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor affinity of the spike protein contributes to viral cell entry, highlighting potential targets for therapeutic intervention. This chapter reviews current coronavirus detection methods and anticipates future advancements for early-stage virus detection. The development of innovative sensing techniques based on genomic and structural details of the virus holds promise for enhancing diagnostic capabilities and improving patient outcomes in the ongoing battle against COVID-19.