A joint research team from Pohang University of Science and Technology POSTECH and Asan Medical Center developed a diagnostic sensor capable of effectively responding to viral mutations.
Professors Oh Seung-soo and Woo Sung-wook from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Pohang University of Science and Technology POSTECH, along with Dr. Lee Min-jong and Professor Kim Sung-han from Asan Medical Center, announced on the 14th that they have developed a field diagnostic sensor technology capable of detecting all coronavirus mutations. The research results were published in "Biosensors and Bioelectronics."
To prevent the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19, technology that can quickly identify infected individuals is needed. Because the virus continues to mutate, existing diagnostic methods cannot detect new variants in a timely manner.
The research team explained, "Existing diagnostic technologies mainly utilize antibodies that recognize specific parts of the virus. However, when the virus mutates, these antibodies can no longer properly recognize the virus, necessitating new diagnostic methods each time a new variant appears."
The research team noted that for the virus to invade the body, it must bind to a specific receptor (ACE2) present in our bodies. This binding method does not change even with mutations. The research team developed a molecular recognition substance that mimics the ACE2 receptor and integrated this substance into a simple and portable electrochemical sensor.
Unlike traditional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests or rapid antigen test kits, which require complex preprocessing to break down the virus, the sensor developed by the research team can use the patient’s saliva directly, allowing for field testing. Additionally, the research team improved the sensor's accuracy by using pyramid-shaped DNA nanostructures when attaching the molecular recognition substance to the electrode.
In collaboration with the Infectious Disease Control Center at Asan Medical Center, the research team conducted diagnostic tests using actual saliva from COVID-19 patients. As a result, the team’s sensor accurately detected major coronavirus variants, including Omicron, with very little chance of misidentification, clearly differentiating them from other viruses like influenza.
Professor Oh said, "As a diagnostic technology capable of responding to continuously emerging coronavirus variants, it can be used immediately for new mutations and will be a significant help in future infectious disease management."
References
Biosensors and Bioelectronics (2025), DOI : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bios.2025.117311