Open AccessRapid visual detection of SARS-CoV-2 by colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification
Author(s) -
Bàrbara Reynés,
Francisca Serra,
Andreu Palou
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
biotechniques/biotechniques
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.617
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1940-9818
pISSN - 0736-6205
DOI - 10.2144/btn-2020-0159
Subject(s) - loop mediated isothermal amplification , rna , primer (cosmetics) , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , sequence (biology) , computational biology , chemistry , virology , dna , genetics , gene , organic chemistry
Evaluation of the performance of a new set of primers defined from the ORF1ab sequence, and its combination with a previously published set of primers from the N sequence, to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA by the loop-mediated isothermal amplification technique is presented. The ORF1ab primer set enables visual detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in 16 min. In addition, a simultaneous reaction with both ORF1ab and N primers allows for higher sensitivity of detection, particularly when low numbers of copies are present (250 viral RNA copies). Further, the protocol is able to detect viral RNA in saliva samples. The procedure reported could be easily implemented in the generation of a new and sensitive rapid point-of care device for SARS-CoV-2 RNA visual detection.