What do you do if you suspect a viral infection and need to know the best biosensor for detecting it?

1 What are biosensors?

Biosensors are devices that use biological molecules, such as antibodies, enzymes, or DNA, to recognize and bind to a specific target, such as a virus, and produce a measurable signal, such as an electrical current, a color change, or a fluorescence. Biosensors can be classified into different categories based on the type of biological recognition element, the type of signal transduction, and the type of output. For example, a biosensor that uses antibodies to capture viral particles, an electrochemical method to convert the binding into an electrical signal, and a digital display to show the result is called an immunoelectrochemical biosensor.

2 Why use biosensors?

Biosensors can offer several benefits for detecting viral infections, such as high sensitivity, specificity, speed, portability, and low cost. Biosensors can detect very low concentrations of viral particles in a sample, such as blood, saliva, or nasal swab, and distinguish them from other pathogens or substances. Biosensors can also provide results in minutes or hours, compared to conventional methods that may take days or weeks. Moreover, biosensors can be designed to be compact, easy to use, and disposable, making them suitable for point-of-care testing or field applications. Additionally, biosensors can be produced at a large scale and at a low cost, making them accessible and affordable for many users.

3 How to choose a biosensor?

There is no single biosensor that can suit every need or situation. You need to consider several factors when choosing a biosensor for detecting a viral infection, such as the type of virus, the type of sample, the accuracy, the speed, the ease of use, and the cost. For example, if you want to detect a novel virus that has no specific antibodies or enzymes available, you may need to use a biosensor that uses DNA or RNA as the recognition element, such as a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) or a CRISPR-based biosensor. If you want to test a sample that has a complex matrix or a low viral load, you may need to use a biosensor that has a high sensitivity and specificity, such as an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor. If you want to get a quick result without requiring a laboratory or a trained operator, you may need to use a biosensor that has a fast response time and a simple operation, such as a lateral flow assay (LFA) or a colorimetric biosensor. If you want to save money or resources, you may need to use a biosensor that has a low cost and a long shelf life, such as a paper-based biosensor or a nanomaterial-based biosensor.

4 How to evaluate a biosensor?

Before you use a biosensor for detecting a viral infection, you need to evaluate its performance and reliability. You need to check the following parameters: sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, precision, reproducibility, stability, and robustness. Sensitivity is the ability of a biosensor to detect the smallest amount of viral particles in a sample. Specificity is the ability of a biosensor to distinguish the target virus from other pathogens or substances. Accuracy is the closeness of the biosensor's result to the true value. Precision is the consistency of the biosensor's result under repeated measurements. Reproducibility is the agreement of the biosensor's result under different conditions or operators. Stability is the resistance of the biosensor to degradation or deterioration over time. Robustness is the tolerance of the biosensor to variations or disturbances in the sample or the environment. You can use standard methods or protocols to measure these parameters and compare them with other biosensors or reference methods.

5 How to improve a biosensor?

If you are not satisfied with the performance or reliability of a biosensor, you can try to improve it by modifying its components or conditions. You can optimize the biological recognition element, the signal transduction method, or the output format. For example, you can increase the affinity or selectivity of the recognition element by using different antibodies, enzymes, or DNA sequences, or by modifying their orientation, density, or immobilization. You can enhance the signal or reduce the noise by using different electrodes, substrates, or labels, or by adjusting the voltage, current, or frequency. You can improve the output or the interpretation by using different indicators, sensors, or displays, or by applying different algorithms, calibrations, or validations. You can also optimize the sample preparation, the biosensor operation, or the quality control. For example, you can increase the viral extraction, concentration, or purification by using different buffers, reagents, or devices, or by changing the temperature, pH, or time. You can simplify the biosensor operation or reduce the errors by using different formats, designs, or instructions, or by adding features, such as automation, integration, or feedback. You can ensure the biosensor quality or compliance by using different standards, tests, or certifications, or by following guidelines, regulations, or best practices.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?