**Abstract**

Mass testing for COVID-19 is essential to defining patient management strategies, choosing the best clinical management, and dimensioning strategies for controlling viral dissemination and immunization strategies. Thus, it is of utmost importance to search for devices that allow a quick and reliable diagnosis of low cost that can be transposed from the bench to the bedside, such as biosensors. These devices can help choose the correct clinical management to minimize factors that lead to infected patients developing more severe diseases. The use of nanomaterials to modify biosensors' surfaces to increase these devices' sensitivity and their biofunctionality enables high-quality nanotechnological platforms. In addition to the diagnostic benefits, nanotechnological platforms that facilitate the monitoring of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies may be the key to determining loss of protective immune response after an episode of COVID-19, which leads to a possible chance of reinfection, as well as how they can be used to assess and monitor the success of immunization strategies, which are beginning to be administered on a large scale and that the extent and duration of their protection will need to be determined. Therefore, in this chapter, we will cover nanomaterials' use and their functionalities in the surface design of sensors, thus generating nanotechnological platforms in the various facets of the diagnosis of COVID-19.

**Keywords:** COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, nanotechnological platforms, nanomaterials, biosensors, diagnosis, sensor surface design

#### **1. Introduction**

SARS-CoV-2 is a virus in the coronavirus family, discovered in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and the cause of COVID-19 [1]. Coronaviruses (CoV) are RNA viruses and can cause anything from the common cold to more serious diseases with neurological, gastrointestinal, and pulmonary involvement [2]. They are zoonotic viruses;

that is, they can be transmitted between animals and people due to their ability to recombine their viral proteins between coronaviruses of different hosts [3].

COVID-19 was defined as Pandemic on March 11, 2020 (1), and by February 1, 2021, there are already 103,221,369 individuals infected worldwide, and the number of global deaths already exceeds 2,232,563 [4]. Before SARS-CoV-2, two other CoVs causing a pandemic disease were identified: the first was SARS-CoV in 2002, originating in Foshan (China), which caused Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS); the second was MERS-CoV, which originated in the Arabian Peninsula in 2012, causing the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) [5].

A significant bottleneck in COVID-19 is mass diagnosis. The real-time reversetranscription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is the "gold standard" method for demonstrating the presence of SARS-CoV-2. This diagnosis is reliable; however, most countries have suffered from a lack of supplies and equipment and its high cost. IgM and IgG antibodies can be detected in the serum of patients with COVID-19, where their monitoring can indicate recent or late infection and the duration of the post-infection protective immune response.

The development of easy-to-use alternative platforms is encouraged with specific attention paid to sensitivity and simplicity to specifically detect targets at a very low concentration, in about minutes, enabling portable on-site screening upon further optimizations of the detection limit. However, the accuracy of these techniques depends on several factors; variations in these factors might significantly lower the sensitivity of detection.

Nanomaterials can be applied in several types of sensors due to their physical and chemical properties, making them possible to detect by colorimetric, fluorescence, magnetism, surface plasmon resonance, and electrochemical [6–10]. In electrochemical sensing, the conductive nanomaterials are interesting for application due to their well-known ability to improve the catalytic activity, the electron transfer speed, and the conductivity of the sensors. Furthermore, the superficial area and amplify the analytical signal can be increased by deposition of nanomaterials over electronic surfaces, enhancing the sensitivity regarding target analytes' detection. Therefore, the group has been working with several nanomaterials to develop sensors.

Therefore, in this book chapter, we describe case reports and proof-of-concept for a simple, label-free electrochemical sensor for the fast and direct detection of SARS-CoV-2 through the detection of the specific probe. Early and widespread testing has proven to reduce mortality rates and improve contact tracing. However, the value of testing is directly linked to the availability and accuracy of diagnostic tests as concerns grow. Additionally, we have demonstrated in this work the possibility of a biorecognition element between the target concentration and the viral load exploring different electrode materials and redox markers allows for improved sensor properties with higher effectiveness than the commercially available assay or traditional diagnostic methods.

### **2. Diagnosis of COVID-19: the old and the gold**

Coronaviruses infect human cells mainly by binding proteins from viral spikes (spike proteins) to molecules of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), [11] widely expressed in human organs and tissues, such as nasal, bronchial epithelial cells, and pneumocytes. After entering the cell, viral replication occurs and the host cell's subsequent death, whether epithelial, endothelial, or immune cells [12].

Due to the increase in viral replication, the epithelial-endothelial barrier's integrity is compromised, accentuating the inflammatory response, causing edema

#### *Sensor Surface Design with NanoMaterials: A New Platform in the Diagnosis of COVID-19 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.97056*

and inflammatory infiltrates. Furthermore, it compromises coagulation pathways, increasing fibrin degradation products and alterations in leukocytes and red blood cells. Together with the inflammatory infiltrate, the resulting edema contributes to the ground-glass opacities seen in imaging studies and too low oxygenation [13].

Symptoms and clinical evolution depend on the triad: virus strain, host immunity, and pre-existing conditions, known as comorbidities, such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, chronic kidney disease, and malignancies [14]. Symptoms range from the most common in flu-like conditions, such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath, nausea, diarrhea, loss of smell and taste, and more severe symptoms such as pneumonia leukopenia, kidney failure, myocarditis, meningitis, and thromboembolic events [15].

The immune response against COVID-19 has been extensively investigated and is directly related to clinical evolution. The presence of lymphopenia and increased production of chemokines and proinflammatory cytokines have been demonstrated in patients with COVID-19, especially in the most severe cases, which can worsen tissue damage [16]. Serum levels of chemokines (IL-8) and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, IFN-γ, IP-10, and MCP-1) are found in greater quantities patients with COVID- 19 severe when compared with individuals with mild disease. This fact indicates that the cytokine storm is associated with the severity of the disease and adverse outcomes, suggesting a possible role of hyperinflammatory responses in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 [16, 17].

Studies on the humoral immune response demonstrate that antibodies, such as IgA, IgM, and IgG against SARS-CoV-2, appear on the first day after the onset of symptoms [18, 19]. IgM levels appear on days 0 to 7, increasing on days 8 to 14 and reaching a plateau, while IgA levels increased from days 0 to 14, whereas IgG levels were detected on days 0 to 7, increased on days 8 to 14, continued to increase until the 15th to the 21st and reached a plateau on the 21st [18]. This kinetics of antibody levels indicates a rapid and almost simultaneous response of these three isotypes during the first weeks of infection by SARS-CoV-2, IgA and IgG remain with higher titers for a longer time when compared to IgM [20, 21].

The amount of antibodies in samples from patients with COVID-19 is dependent on the number of viral RNA present: the lower the viral load, the lower the level of antibodies present, and the severity of clinical evolution [19–21]. Initial data indicate a lower concentration of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in asymptomatic patients, but more quickly, while in mild symptomatic ones, there is a slower but more continuous production. Serious patients have high levels of antibodies, mainly IgA and IgG. However, there are still gaps about whether specific humoral and cellular immune memory persist and for how long [20]. Despite these limitations in understanding the long-term humoral immune response, the determination of IgA, IgM, and IgG antibodies are widely used in laboratory tests for the detection of COVID-19. Early diagnosis also allows the infected patient to have faster access to medical care and increases their chances of a better prognosis. It will enable the initiation of treatment when the viral load is in low concentrations.

Antibody determination is also important to monitor patients who have been vaccinated since immunization stimulates the immune system's production without having to be infected [22]. Results about vaccines against COVID-19 showed that vaccinated patients increased the production of specific antibodies and their affinity to levels similar to those observed in patients who recovered from COVID-19 [23–25]. Data show that a standardized quantification/determination of antibody levels may be sufficient to monitor vaccinated patients and estimate the quality and duration of this protection [24].

To date, quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), qRT-qPCR assay is the gold standard for the early detection of virus

**Figure 1.**

*Major steps of qRT-PCR as a diagnostic tool at COVID-19 (1) A patient suspected of COVID-19 undergoes collection of cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 through a nasopharyngeal swab. (2–3) Viral RNA is extracted and purified. The enzyme reverse transcriptase converts RNA into cDNA.*

(major steps presented in **Figure 1**), but the CRISPR–Cas12-based lateral flow, Immunochromatographic, ELISA, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and other techniques has been developed and applied to screening or to confirm positive COVID-19 patients allowing prompt clinical and quarantine decisions this infection (**Table 1**).

To minimize the cost and logistical problems of sample collection and diagnostics, rapid diagnostic systems based on classical methodological approaches, such as immunochromatography, were quickly implemented in the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigens or antibodies produced against it. However, the accuracy of these techniques depends on several factors. The bioavailability of the researched molecule, as viral genetic material, viral antigens, and various subclasses of antibodies, the stability of these biomolecules to the procedures of sample collection and transport to the diagnostic platforms, the possibility of storage for later evaluation are significant bottlenecks that have impaired mass testing, especially in developing countries and variations in these factors might significantly lower the sensitivity of detection. The degree of reliability is uncertain in many of them, and implementing a faster and accurate diagnosis system is essential to monitor the disease and define policies to control viral spread.

Biosensors are one of the most popular types of point-of-care devices in various diagnostics areas, which offer several advantages such as the low cost, the capability of miniaturization, and high sensitivity and selectivity. The transposition of the molecular and immunological diagnosis to miniaturization platforms like point-of-care systems implies a drastic reduction in the amount of sample needed, increases specificity, reliable measurements in real-time, and portability. The development of easy-to-use alternative platforms is encouraged with specific attention paid to sensitivity and simplicity to detect targets at a very low concentration in about minutes, enabling portable on-site screening upon further optimizing the detection limit.


#### *Sensor Surface Design with NanoMaterials: A New Platform in the Diagnosis of COVID-19 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.97056*


**Table 1.**

*Comparison of methodologies applied to the diagnosis of (SARS)-CoV-2.*

#### *Sensor Surface Design with NanoMaterials: A New Platform in the Diagnosis of COVID-19 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.97056*

An overview of some methodologies applied to the diagnosis of (SARS)-CoV-2 is presented in **Table 1**. The ELISA-based test was used to validate the antibody– antigen interaction, or RT-PCR was used to validate the primer, particularly the complexity of the assays during inventory shortages, while cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, differential pulse voltammetry was used to characterize the electrode functionalization.

Multi sensors, lateral flow tests, mobile biosensors, and wearable biosensors are critical parts for precision medicine in COVID-19. Russell, S.M. et al., defined these biosensors' ideal characteristics using some prototypes from recent literature as examples [40]. Multi sensors, lateral flow tests, mobile biosensors, and wearable biosensors are crucial parts for precision medicine in COVID-19. We propose the ideal characteristics of these biosensors using some prototypes from recent literature as examples. Multi sensors, lateral flow tests, mobile biosensors, and wearable biosensors are crucial parts for precision medicine in COVID-19.

In his work, Fukumoto, T. et al. 2020 has developed a fast, easy to use, and inexpensive diagnostic method that is needed to help control the current outbreak of the new coronavirus based on microfluidic microdevices. A new detection kit the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Detection Kit (nCoV-DK) - cuts detection time in half, eliminating RNA extraction and purification steps. The nCoV-DK test effectively detects SARS-CoV-2 in all types of samples, including saliva, while reducing the time required for detection and risk of human error [41].

Laghrib, F. et al., showed the leading current trends and strategies in diagnosing n-SARS-CoV-2 based on emerging and traditional assessment technologies for continuous innovation. Addressing recent biosensors trends to build a fast, reliable, more sensitive, accessible, friendly system with easily adaptable n-SARS-CoV-2 detection and monitoring technology [42]. Overall, we address and identify evidence from research that supports biosensors' use based on the premise that screening people for n-SARS-CoV-2 is the best way to stem its spread. The detection and notification of infectious pathogens in a fast, sensitive, and specific way is essential for managing the patient and surveillance of outbreaks. With their ability to diagnose in real-time with the high specificity of a low concentration sample, biosensors are much more reliable than the rapid test for coronavirus detection. The use of nano biosensors has been considered the most promising approach for detecting new n-SARSCoV-2 coronavirus disease. Meanwhile, the current work has also tried to improve biosensors' detection sensitivity, simplicity, and performance.

Hui, X. et al. 2020, showed in his work, G quadruplex-based Biosensor: A potential tool for SARS-CoV-2 detection to discover additional advantageous attributes of G-quadruplex as potential to be used in new biosensors, such as ligand binding enhanced and unique folding properties [43]. The newly developed G-quadruplex biosensors include electrochemical and optical biosensors that have shown better performance with potential applications with a wide detection range and a broad spectrum of pathogens SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19 disease. G-quadruplex is a non-canonical nucleic acid structure formed by the folding of guanine-rich DNA or RNA.
