# Development of an Automated Diagnostic Platform for SARS-CoV-2 Monitoring in Vulnerable Areas

> **NIH NIH U01** · CLEMSON UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $471,237

## Abstract

Project Summary
The devastation caused by emerging pathogens with fast transmission capacity, such as SARS-CoV-2, has
demonstrated the importance of preparedness for future viral outbreaks; this includes the ability for fast
deployment of in-situ testing tools and epidemiological surveillance with high temporal and spatial
resolution; particularly in places that are most vulnerable to becoming reservoirs of infectious agents.
We propose to develop a versatile multiplexing detection platform for SARS-CoV-2 in saliva. The proposed
system will integrate signals from different biorecognition elements. Aptamer, antibody, and ACE2 will be
immobilized onto laser inscribed graphene electrodes, and detection mechanisms targeting SARS-CoV-2
spike protein will be studied under varying testing conditions (pH, temperature, ionic strength). After
determining the operating conditions for enhanced performance of each biosensor, a self-referencing
approach will be used between complementary recognition elements (i.e., possible combinations of
aptamers, antibodies, and ACE2 enzyme biosensors) to evaluate the effects on test results accuracy (i.e.,
risk of false-positive and false-negative results). A saliva pre-treatment protocol will be developed to
facilitate SARS-CoV-2 testing in human saliva using the multiplex biosensor platform. An open channel
microfluidics system will be designed to automatically split and channel a single saliva sample into multiple
streams to the biosensors without saturation, biofouling, and pump requirement. The development of a
functional and reliable multiplex biosensor system will be useful for addressing longstanding needs in public
health as the respiratory Coronavirus family continues its seasonal visits, which may repeat over several
decades, much like the occasional visits from the influenza virus, with varying degrees of virulence.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10264274
- **Project number:** 1U01AA029328-01
- **Recipient organization:** CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Diana Carolina Vanegas-Gamboa
- **Activity code:** U01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $471,237
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-12-21 → 2022-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10264274

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10264274, Development of an Automated Diagnostic Platform for SARS-CoV-2 Monitoring in Vulnerable Areas (1U01AA029328-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10264274. Licensed CC0.

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