Development of colorimetric kits for quantification of porcine circoviruses 2 (PCV-2) and SARS-CoV2 using gold nanoparticles

Abstract

Until the morning of 03/31/2020, 719,700 confirmed cases of SARS-Cov-2 were registered worldwide, causing a collapse in the health system of countries such as Italy, Iran and Spain. Brazil has recorded 4,661 confirmed cases, with 165 deaths. The transmission of the virus occurs mainly by contact with secretions and infected people, causing fever, cough, dyspnoea, myalgia or fatigue, sputum production, headache, hemoptysis and diarrhea. Diagnosis occurs after medical evaluation and laboratory tests such as RT-qPCR. However, these methodologies present as limitations a high cost per analysis of the samples, besides needing specialized professionals and specific equipment. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a new reliable and low-cost methodology for a fast and inexpensive quantitative diagnosis. Biosensors have been highlighted in the technological area as an analytical tool that can identify the presence of pathogens (antigens or nucleic acid) using as base gold nanoparticles. Therefore, the objective of the present project is to develop and standardize colorimetric kits for the identification of SARS-CoV-2 and viral RNA using gold nanoparticles with deposition of antibodies or probes which, when connected to their respective target, will provide an immediate change of color. This is a new technique that will provide a quick, simple and low-cost diagnosis compared to the usual methodologies (AU)