Bioluminescent Breakthrough: COVID-19 Test Yields Accurate Results in 1 Minute
Researchers are developing an ultra-fast COVID test inspired by crustaceans that possess natural bioluminescence. Credit: ACS.
In the post-pandemic era, undergoing a rapid COVID-19 test has become all too familiar. Typically, individuals endure an anxious 15-minute wait before obtaining their results. However, drawing inspiration from bioluminescent crustaceans, a groundbreaking prototype test aims to reduce this waiting time to just one minute significantly.
Harnessing Nature’s Glow
Bioluminescence, the natural ability to emit light, is a phenomenon observed across various organisms in the natural world. From enchanting fairy lanterns to formidable underwater predators, these living glowsticks are abundant.
The mechanism often involves a reaction between the enzyme luciferase and luciferins, a class of proteins.Some luciferins, specifically the imidazopyrazinone-type (IPT) compounds, exhibit remarkable versatility by reacting with proteins beyond conventional enzymes.
Shining Light on COVID-19
Researchers led by Ryo Nishihara and Ryoji Kurita at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology in Japan explored IPT luciferins from different species to identify potential candidates for a COVID-19 test.
Remarkably, only one out of 36 molecules emitted light when reacting with the spike protein, a luciferin sourced from tiny crustaceans in the genus Cypridina.
Rapid and Selective Detection
In a 10-minute reaction period, the luciferin from Cypridina emitted detectable light using a commercial luminescence-reading device, although it remained invisible to the naked eye. Notably, this luciferin demonstrated selectivity, exclusively reacting to the spike protein and not to six other proteins naturally present in saliva.
The IPT luciferin-based test proved as accurate as existing tests used in vaccine development for detecting the spike protein in saliva samples. The key differentiator was its ability to deliver precise results in just one minute, marking a substantial improvement over current rapid testing protocols.
A Glowing Future for Testing
The researchers envision a novel testing platform that can rapidly detect virus antigens without genetic manipulation or antibodies. Employing a simple “mix and read” protocol, the IPT luciferin could be added to a saliva sample, and any emitted light could be readily detected. This innovative approach applies to COVID-19, as other coronaviruses and influenza viruses with spike proteins could be potential candidates for this expedited testing method.
As the battle against COVID-19 endures, access to rapid testing remains crucial. This study’s success paves the way for the next generation of test kits, promising a quicker and more convenient testing experience, perhaps even accompanied by a glowing surprise.
Read the original article on ACS Central Science.
Read more: Carbonated Beverages and Citrus Juice Lead to Inaccurate Results in Quick COVID-19 Tests.
