Viral detection using nanopore-based readout

很明显，在当前的大流行中，迫切需要廉价和快速的检测技术，这些技术可以在广泛的环境中使用，并可以立即读出。理想情况下，这种测试应该确定谁拥有病毒和那些与抗病毒抗体的患者。我们还需要拥有能够在冠状病毒突变或未来非冠状病毒大流行的情况下快速适应的测试技术。目前，病毒感染的检测仅限于通过PCR（聚合酶链式反应）进行的病毒RNA检测或通过免疫测定进行的抗原检测。PCR需要大量的样品处理和扩增，这是昂贵的，耗时的，并且在低拷贝数时可能是错误的来源。此外，基于抗体试剂盒的大规模检测策略有很大的局限性，很可能造成很大比例的误诊。该项目旨在提供一种基于纳米孔的技术，用于快速，高灵敏度，无扩增的SARS-CoV-2 RNA和刺突（S）和核衣壳（N）蛋白的鉴定。该测试将基于提供定量电子读数和适体分子探针的纳米孔传感器。

It has become clear that there is an urgent need for cheap and fast testing technologies in the current pandemic that can be used in a wide range of settings and have an immediate readout. Ideally, such tests should identify patients who have the virus and those with anti-viral antibodies. We also need to have test technologies that can rapidly adapt in the case of corona viral mutations or future non-coronavirus pandemics. Currently, the tests for viral infection are limited to viral RNA detection by PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) or antigen detection by immunoassays. PCR requires substantial sample processing and amplification, which is costly, time-consuming and can be a source of error at low copy numbers. In addition, the mass testing strategy to be undertaken based on antibody kits has significant limitations and is likely to carry a large proportion of misdiagnoses. The project aims to deliver a nanopore-based technology for rapid, highly sensitive, amplification-free identification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins. The test will be based on nanopore sensors that provide quantitative electronic readout and aptamer molecular probes.