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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2022.05.04.490692

Net-shaped DNA nanostructure designed for rapid/sensitive detection and potential inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 virus

Chauhan, N.·Xiong, Y.·Ren, S.·Dwivedy, A.·Magazine, N.·Zhou, L.·Lin, X.·Zhang, T.·Cunningham, B. T.·Yao, S.·Huang, W.·Wang, X.
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Abstract

We present a net-shaped DNA nanostructure (called "DNA Net" herein) design strategy for selective recognition and high-affinity capture of the intact SARS-CoV-2 virions through spatial pattern-matching and multivalent interactions between the aptamers (targeting wild type spike-RBD) positioned on the DNA Net and the trimeric spike glycoproteins displayed on the viral outer surface. Carrying a designer nanoswitch, the DNA Net-aptamers releases fluorescent signal upon virus binding that is easily read by a hand-held fluorimeter for a rapid (in 10 mins), simple (mix- and-read), sensitive (PCR equivalent), room temperature compatible, and inexpensive ([~] $1.26/test) COVID-19 test assay. The DNA Net-aptamers also impede authentic wild-type SARS-CoV-2 infection in cell culture with a near 1x103-fold enhancement of the monomeric aptamer. Furthermore, our DNA Net design principle and strategy can be customized to tackle other life-threatening and economically influential viruses like influenza and HIV, whose surfaces carry class-I viral envelope glycoproteins like the SARS-CoV-2 spikes in trimeric forms.

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Chauhan, N., Xiong, Y., Ren, S., Dwivedy, A., Magazine, N., Zhou, L., Lin, X., Zhang, T., Cunningham, B. T., Yao, S., Huang, W., Wang, X.. 2022-05-05. Net-shaped DNA nanostructure designed for rapid/sensitive detection and potential inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 virus. https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.05.04.490692

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