Detecting and inactivating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 under the auspices of electrochemistry

Ashraf, Ghazala; Aziz, Ayesha; Qaisrani, Rubina Naz; Chen, Wei; Asif, Muhammad

The recent epidemic of novel coronavirus (nCOVID-19) has turn out to be a huge public health concern owing to its fast transmission. Rapid and cost-effective detection of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial to classify diseased individuals. Serological examination based on antibody chromatography as a substitute to RT-PCR provides inadequate help owing to sophisticated personnel, false-positive results, special equipment and high cost. Biosensing techniques provide sensitive and specific detection, recognition and quantification of pathogens. Herein, after an introduction, we review potential electrochemical (EC) biosensors for COVID-19 diagnosis, emphasizing plasmonic, optical, colorimetric and aptamer-based sensors with a special focus on EC biosensors and point-of-care (POC) diagnostic methods. We have conferred the working principle of these biosensors, EC performance in terms of particular analytical figures of merit and their real-time applications in biological matrices. Lastly, we have described briefly the inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 by EC oxidation. In the end, we have concluded this review by clearing up the strengths and weaknesses of EC sensors and future directions. Advancement in research and technology would be our unsurpassed weapons in the fight against COVID-19 and preventing imminent pandemics.