# Designer DNA Nanostructure Based Biosensing for Rapid COVID19 Detection and Monitoring using Saliva Sample

> **NIH NIH R44** · ATOM BIOWORKS INC · 2021 · $1,257,963

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
A Novel Saliva-Based Aptamer Detection Assay for SARS-CoV-2 Infection
(RFA-OD-20-021 STTR Application)
Automated, rapid diagnostics with little sample collection and preparation are needed to identify
and trace affected persons in times when hyper-infectious pathogens cause pandemics. Frequent,
low cost and highly scalable testing is the only way to gain visibility on the magnitude of the
pandemic and ultimately control the spread of the disease. We propose the development of a
unique system that can cheaply and readily detect SARS-CoV-2 in saliva samples. The
development of a system that uses saliva present an opportunity to readily test patients using a
sample that is easily collected and harbors high concentration of viral particles.
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has predominantly affected individuals with pre-existing conditions
such as clotting disorders, diabetes, hypertension or other chronic diseases. Patients with these
pre-existing conditions who then are infected have exacerbated symptoms and complications that
can lead to death. For example, many patients that have succumbed to SARS-CoV-2 infection
have developed blood clots that have impaired pulmonary or cardiac function and ultimately
cardiac failure. A rapid diagnostic using easily collected samples (e.g. saliva) would allow for
infections to be identified sooner, therapies to be administered quicker, treatment to be monitored,
and ultimately leading to fewer individuals that succumb to the infection.
We outline a novel DNA Star biosensing approach based on the fact that viruses, such as SARS-
CoV-2, express unique spatial patterns of antigens on their surfaces, facilitating multivalent
binding to host cells for infection. These configurations of epitopes drive the high sensitivity and
specificity of our assay. Based on this naturally occurring binding mechanism, we developed a
rational design approach producing pattern matching designer DNA architecture for viral sensing.
A proof-of-concept Dengue virus (DENV) rapid diagnostics was developed to demonstrate its
power: DENV surface antigens present the most complex geometric pattern among all known
pathogens, a DNA star linked 10-aptamers nanostructure that offers polyvalent, spatial DENV-
epitope pattern matching interactions has provided high DENV-binding avidity and specificity,
increasing affinity by ~1,000× compared to the conventional aptamer approach which relies on
monovalent aptamer-epitope interactions. Our POCT diagnostics detected intact DENV virions in
patient samples with PCR equivalent sensitivity in <2 mins at a cost <$0.15.
Current RT-PCR molecular test are suited to large, centralized laboratories, and difficult to scale
for rapid testing of samples and delivery of results to clinicians and patients. Immunoassay tests
have lower sensitivity, and patients need to develop a response to the virus in order to detect the
antibody response. Our “DNA star” biosensor-based rapid diagnostics will provide the
infrastruct...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10266426
- **Project number:** 1R44DE030852-01
- **Recipient organization:** ATOM BIOWORKS INC
- **Principal Investigator:** Xiaohu Yao
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $1,257,963
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-12-21 → 2023-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10266426

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10266426, Designer DNA Nanostructure Based Biosensing for Rapid COVID19 Detection and Monitoring using Saliva Sample (1R44DE030852-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10266426. Licensed CC0.

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