Novel Nucleic Acid Sensor Could Reduce Molecular Testing Wait Time

Researchers at Binghamton University have developed a new methodology to detect SARS-CoV-2 that can reportedly produce reliable results more quickly than other methods.

The novel nucleic acid sensor—called an E-beacon—"has the potential to speed sample turn-around time while maintaining the sensitivity and specificity parameters that make molecular testing so powerful,” explained Brian Callahan, lead author of a paper published recently in ChemBioChem.

Enzymatic beacons are engineered bioconjugates with two key components: a light-generating enzyme and a DNA probe. The components are stitched together via a recently-patented method.

In the E-beacons prepared for SARS-CoV-2, the DNA probe recognizes a specific sequence in the virus’ spike gene; that recognition event in turn causes the light output from the attached enzyme to increase. The more virus nucleic acid in a sample, the brighter the light signal from the enzyme component of the E-beacon, Callahan explained.

E-beacons can provide positive or negative results more rapidly than molecular tests, and without the expensive instrumentation required by PCR-based testing. “As of now, our E-beacons appear to be just as specific and even more sensitive than detection methods used in current SARS-CoV-2 molecular tests,” said Callahan.

E-beacons represent an attractive alternative to the current testing methods, and not just for SARS-CoV-2. Because of their modular design, they can be reconfigured easily for detecting other viral or bacterial pathogens, Callahan added.