Next-Generation Biosensors: Dual ACE2 Epitope Technology for SARS-CoV Variant Detection
As the world continues to face rapidly evolving viral threats, the need for fast, accurate, and cost-effective diagnostic tools has never been greater. Conventional methods like PCR and sequencing, while highly sensitive, are often time-consuming and resource-intensive—a major bottleneck during pandemic surges.
A breakthrough study introduces dual ACE2 epitope-based biomimetic receptors as a next-generation sensing technology capable of detecting multiple SARS-CoV variants with high selectivity and speed, using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensors.
The Science Behind Dual Epitope Biosensors
Researchers engineered peptide-based receptors mimicking the human ACE2 protein—the key entry point for coronaviruses like SARS-CoV-2.
Key innovations include:
- Single vs. Dual Epitopes: Single-epitope sensors provided variant-specific detection, while dual-epitope sensors combined multiple binding regions, significantly enhancing sensitivity and variant adaptability.
- Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR): A powerful optical technique that detects molecular interactions in real time, ensuring rapid and label-free analysis.
Key Findings from the Study
- High Sensitivity for Multiple Variants
- Single-epitope sensors achieved nanomolar affinity for SARS-CoV-2 Alpha, Delta, and SARS-CoV-1 variants.
- Dual-epitope sensors further boosted binding strength, especially for SARS-CoV-1, showing up to 9-fold higher affinity than single sensors.
- Reversed Binding Preferences
- While single sensors favored SARS-CoV-2 Delta, dual sensors showed superior detection for SARS-CoV-1, demonstrating tunable variant specificity.
- Structural Insights via Molecular Dynamics
- Simulations revealed that dual-epitope sensors stabilized receptor structures, improving binding efficiency and mimicking natural ACE2-virus interactions.
- Selectivity Over Non-Target Viruses
- Sensors showed negligible binding to the α-coronavirus HCoV-NL63, ensuring high diagnostic specificity for β-coronaviruses like SARS-CoV-2.
Why This Matters for Future Pandemics
The study demonstrates a rapid, customizable sensor design strategy for emerging viruses:
- Fast Response: Sensors can be engineered quickly for new variants.
- Cost-Effective: Eliminates the need for expensive reagents and complex protocols.
- Portable Diagnostics: SPR-based sensors could be integrated into point-of-care devices for field testing.
This approach opens the door for next-generation diagnostic platforms that combine speed, accuracy, and adaptability, crucial for managing future outbreaks.
Conclusion
By leveraging dual ACE2 epitope-based biomimetic receptors, researchers have pioneered a versatile biosensing technology capable of real-time, variant-specific viral detection.
With the ability to adapt rapidly to mutations, these sensors could revolutionize pandemic preparedness, enabling faster diagnostics and better outbreak control in the years ahead.
Reference
Al-Dujaili, T., Sigurdardóttir, S.B., Jiménez, V.A. et al. Dual ACE2 epitope-based biomimetic receptors for selective sensing of SARS-CoV variants. Sci Rep 15, 32687 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-20837-6
