1 Introduction

In 2019, a cluster of patients with an unknown cause of pneumonia-like symptoms was reported [1]. World Health Organization (WHO) identified the causative pathogen to be the novel Coronavirus, now named SARS-CoV-2 [2]. The SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV viruses are of similar origins [3, 4]. The novel coronavirus consists of a single-stranded positive RNA enclosed inside a capsid with club-shaped glycoproteins on its envelope [4, 5]. It contains the largest genome in its family and can cause infection without the requirement of any enzyme [5]. The virus can be transmitted through person–to-person contact and aerosols of infected individuals. Although the mortality rate varies in different countries depending on several factors, in March 2020, it was recorded to be 3.7% worldwide [6]. Ever since its outbreak, it has been a strenuous task to contain and combat this virus as the host cell factors such as ACE2 and Ezrin, which assist the virulence remained evasive for some time [7]. Relentless efforts of scientists all over the world are focused on diverse strategies to develop a potential vaccine. However, the process is time taking as it is calculative and requires several trials [8]. It is quite evident that the number of cases detected is still not completely reliable because of the paucity of tests conducted. Therefore, in times of crisis like these, it is very essential to detect the viruses in the quickest possible way to avoid spreading and taking control of the pandemic.

Different types of sensors and biosensors are being developed to detect the coronavirus within minutes. One of the main reasons for the uncontrollable outspread of the virus is time-consuming tests such as real-time reverse transcription PCR. The seriousness of this pandemic which has forced the world to shut down and cause immense loss of lives and the economy calls for an extremely fast detection method. Sensor-based detection methods have many advantages over traditional methods such as better sensitivity, robustness, easy availability, lower cost, and minimum requirement of sophisticated equipment [9]. Methods like loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) have a caliber of amplifying the viral DNA up to 1 × 1039 times and identifying the virus. However, it may show inaccurate results and is not entirely reliable [10]. Incorporating the excellent properties of nanomaterials in viral detection devices can improve the efficacy by many folds. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been used to develop a paper-based colorimetric detecting device for the MERS coronavirus [11]. Similarly, an electrochemical immune-sensor using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) has been developed, which contains carbon electrodes to detect the human coronavirus [11]. The nanoparticles undergo a colorimetric change on interaction with the virus by (1) showing peroxidase-like activity [12, 13], (2) aggregation of the nanomaterial or (3) destabilization of the nanomaterial structure[14]. Researchers have exploited these characteristic features of the nanomaterials for HIV-AIDS detection [15]. Presently, surface-modified magnetic nanoparticles are being used to isolate the RNA of Coronavirus, which is the prime step for its identification [16]. Recent research suggests using electrodeposited AuNPs to make a label-free electrochemical transduction scheme for the Coronavirus RNA [17]. These newly developed point-of-care detection methods are rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective. The current research direction is to make these sensors user-friendly to avoid the requirement of highly skilled lab technicians. Testing the presence of antibodies in the blood against Coronavirus is another effective and inexpensive detection method that can detect the virus within minutes even if the individual is asymptomatic [18]. CRISPR-based sensors are a rapid biotechnological approach for diagnosing the virus with minimal equipment requirements and quick results [19]. Efforts are being made in all the disciplines e.g., biotechnology, chemistry, and instrumentation for the development of the quickest possible recognition technique. This review aims to summarise the advances in nanomaterial-based sensors for the detection of novel Coronavirus and to discuss the most rapid, economical, and easy-to-use sensor.

2 COVID-19

Coronaviruses have been the cause for two large-scale epidemics in the past, SARS-CoV and MERS in 2002 and 2012 respectively. Coronaviruses infectious to humans are HCoV229E and NL63 (alphacoronavirus) and HCoV OC43, HKU1, SARS-CoV, and MERS-CoV (betacoronavirus) [20].

In 2019, the third outbreak of the coronavirus occurred and showed symptoms similar to pneumonia [65]. Strip** voltammetry provides more sensitivity as the analyte is rapidly adsorbed on the electrode surface without any requirement of electrolysis [66]. Graphene possess a unique honeycomb lattice structure with sp2 bonded carbon atoms with high electrical conductivity, a tunable bandgap, and optical properties, making it ideal for Field Effect Transistor (FET) sensors [67]. The graphene-based biosensors show the best performance when they are functionalized via chemical route. The heterogeneous electron transfer eventuating at the edges and defects of graphene sheets along with the remarkable surface area make them significant in sensing technologies [68]. Graphene oxide (GO) shows similar electrochemical and thermal properties as graphene and can be made into nanosheets. GO can be immensely helpful in develo** biosensors due to the readily available functional groups which are helpful in the attachment of several types of biomolecules [69]. In a recent study, A graphene-based biosensor fabricated with SARS-CoV-2 spike antibodies was developed [70]. The graphene layer was passivated with a photoresist and chemically functionalized with 1-pyrenebutyric acid N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (PBASE). The total sensing area was of dimension 100 × 100 μm2. After the successful binding of PBASE with the graphene layer, two different peaks were observed after X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy as a result of the relative resonance of sp3 bonding. The spike antibody of the virus was preferred for detection due to the high immunogenicity of the spike protein. Phosphate buffer saline was added as an electrolyte to create an aqueous gated biosensor with the ability to detect SARS-CoV-2. With the help of the Current–Voltage graph, variation in current ((∆I/I0) (I − I0)/I0, where I refers to the detected real-time current and I0 refers to the initial current) is measured. After the attachment of coronavirus spike protein to the detecting surface change in current was observed (Fig. 5). The process could also give precise results in virus samples from the transport medium of a nasopharyngeal swab and the limit of detection was 1 fg/mL.

Fig. 5
figure 5

Graphene-based FET sensor. a No change in gate current for normal sample; b increase in gate current with SARS-CoV-2 positive sample

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The Graphene-based sensor i.e. mentioned in Fig. 5 seems quite promising, however, the need for purified and high quality graphene is difficult to be obtained at kilogram or industrial scale for making a large number of such devices. Since the purity of graphene is one of the major concerns needed for these devices to have higher sensitivity, producing graphene with consistent quality (as required in this sensor) is still a challenge and any error in the making process can lead to an inaccurate biosensor.

In the previous outbreak of coronavirus MERS, a voltammetric immunosensor was developed using carbon electrodes modified with AuNPs [71]. An indirect competition between the free virus in the sample and MERS coronavirus spike protein was used to design the immunoassay and the change in the current peak was observed by the square wave voltammetry technique. Eight electrodes were designed with AuNPs electrodeposited on them and these electrodes were then coated with HCoV/MERS CoV antigens. Ferro/ferricyanide redox couple was incorporated in the sensor. BSA solution inhibited the inactive aldehyde molecules to free the Au electrode surface [71]. When the sample containing antibodies against the MERS coronavirus interacted with the modified immunoassay electrodes, binding of the antigens attached on the electrode surface and the antibodies in the sample occurred. As the antibodies are of considerable size (~ 150 kDa), a large area of the electrode was covered by it. This led to a decrease in the peak current of the redox couple, which was detected by square wave voltammetry [71]. The complete test took about 20 min to detect viral antibodies.

Since the SARS-CoV-2 belongs to the same genera as MERS-CoV, the eight electrodes designed for this assay can be modified and enhanced for COVID-19 detection. Also, to test a large number of samples in a single reaction, the number of electrodes can be increased. This type of approach promises portable, cheap and rapid testing procedures for the novel coronavirus [71].

4.1.2 Impedimetric Biosensors

Impedimetric sensors are self-contained devices that give a measurable change in capacitance or a shift in impedance after the capture of the analyte on the electrode surface [72]. AC current is usually used to note the changes in capacitance and the drifting of this AC current from the network of capacitors and inductors gives a complex resistance which is called the impedance [73]. Immunosensors and aptasensors are the most commonly used electrochemical- impedimetric sensors. The impedimetric immunosensors can either be capacitive or Faradic based on the type of signal measured. Capacitive sensors do not require a redox probe and the formation of antibody-antigen complexes decreases the capacitance while faradic sensors employ a redox probe as the electrode is partially insulated and the resistance is transferred to a lower frequency to measure the detection [74].

An impedimetric immunosensor ensures label-free detection of viruses through antibody-antigen interactions, and the incorporation of metallic nanoparticles in these sensors provides extraordinary conductivity and stability [73]. When the Zika virus outbreak occurred in 2015, a label-free impedimetric immunosensor was designed with an oxidized glassy electrode enhanced with AuNP-SiPy. The sensor worked by detecting the antibodies against the virus in the serum sample by Au–S covalent bond formation [75]. Bode and Nyquist representations are generally used to analyze and evaluate the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in graphical formats [76]. Receptors can be immobilized by cross-linking, entrapment in gels/films, or adsorption, giving the sensor versatility for detection processes [72]. SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis can be made much easier by incorporating these impedance-based biosensors in the testing facilities as they exhibit the ability to be integrated with multi-array diagnostic tools ensuring testing of multiple samples in a single test. By taking care of the reproducibility of these point-of-care detection kits, they can become a potential replacement for the current conventional assays.

Carbon nanotubes are considered as elite nanomaterials for fabrication in biosensors. Being carbon-based materials, they allow direct electron transfer to the assembled bio-receptors such as antibodies and antigens [77]. They have one of the simplest chemical compositions and can occur as multi-walled or single-walled nanotubes. The curvature of the tube, presence of edge-plane-like sites, and defects give nanotubes a compelling electro activity [78]. Bare carbon nanotubes have high cytotoxicity. Ge et al. reported that with the help of binding proteins, the high cytotoxicity of bare carbon nanotubes can be reduced [79]. The bio-receptors will help recognize the element of the tubes acting as transducers to detect the stimulation and convert it into a detectable output signal [80]. In the past, multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were used to develop a DNA-based sensor to detect the Influenza virus [81]. DNA probe was fabricated on the MWCNT with the aid of amine and phosphate covalent bonding. The nanotube was functionalized using boiling nitric acid. When the probe and target binding took place, the conductance changed on the CNT surface giving a changed output signal. Similar sensors can be developed for the coronavirus. As of now, the virus has been widely studied and we have the information about its structure, interaction with human cells, and replication process, making the use of CNTs can provide instantaneous biosensors. According to a recent study, incorporating MWCNT with dendrite-modified electrode can prove to be an excellent surface for sensing [82].

However, maintaining this level of sophistication while producing these devices on a large scale for use among huge populations is still uncertain. Therefore, along with these complex working mechanisms, a reliable production method and machinery are highly required for the quick development of biosensors.

4.2 Colorimetric Sensors

Colorimetric sensors are detectors that give a noticeable change in color in the visible range (380–700 nm) when in contact with any analyte [83, 84]. They are associated with the class of optical sensors [85]. Just like every other type of sensor, colorimetric sensors also consist of a receptor, transducer, and a detecting domain, but the layout and choice of the material depend on the type of external stimuli interacting with it [85]. The optical properties of a nanoparticle are linked with its surface Plasmon resonance (SPR). When there is any optical polarization, the electric field of the NP is enhanced, resulting in light scattering and absorption at a specific frequency of SPR [86]. This adjustable surface Plasmon resonance acquired by the nanoparticles helps them to change color used in the functioning of nanobiosensors [84, 87]. For example, when AuNPs of 20 nm are suspended in an aqueous solution, they give a typical red wine color (~ 530 nm) due to the SPR peak in the absorption spectrum. But when these nanoparticles agglomerate (due to any interaction), the color changes owing to the change in the plasmonic resonance [88]. Similarly, in the presence of the viral DNA, a keen red shift is detected in the silver nanoparticles when the agglomeration changes the color from yellow to orange [10].

Nanoparticles consist of an equal number of positive ions and negatively charged electrons that overlap in the neutral state. Nevertheless, when electromagnetic radiation is incident on it, the electrons tend to move away from their equilibrium position leading to an increase in their density in a particular region. In such a situation, they repel each other and oscillate back to their equilibrium positions with some kinetic energy. As the electrons on the surface are affected the most, their collective oscillations give an intense peak in the visible light range [89]. In a recent publication, naked-eye detection of SARS-CoV-2 has been conducted with the aid of Au plasmonic nanoparticles [90]. Plasmonic nanoparticles work as a detection tool when the frequency of the photon incident on it matches the frequency of the excited electrons of the nanoparticles [91]. This change in SPR peak causes a color change that does not require any detection machinery, and thus, the results can be interpreted even by a layman. For the working of this sensor, four ASO (antisense oligonucleotide) sequences covering four specific regions of the N gene were designed. Scientists have figured out great scope of development of biosensors targeting the N gene because of its limit of detection of 8.3 copies per reaction while RdRp and E gene have 3.6 and 3.9 copies per reaction, respectively. These ASOs were capped on plasmonic NPs after thiolating them at one end. Since these ASO capped NPs showed agglomeration only in the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA sequence, the evident change in color with the specific binding could show positive results. ASO1 and ASO3 were thiolated at their 5’ end while ASO2 and ASO4 were thiolated at their 3’ end [90].

The hydrodynamic diameter of the NPs was significantly increased when SARS-CoV-2 RNA was attached to it, which amplified its tendency of aggregation. A red shift of 40 nm was observed with an increase in absorbance at the wavelength of 660 nm [89]. The change in the SPR peak changed the color of the solution from violet to dark blue. This change involves a minor red shift of 40 nm, thus to make the results more prominent, RNase H (non-sequence specific endonuclease) was added to the solution. RNase is known to exhibit hydrolyzing abilities for RNA/DNA hybrids, and thus cleaves the Au-ASO mix and SARS-CoV-2 bonds forming noticeable precipitate facilitating immediate visual detection. Since the process uses four ASOs targeting two regions of the N gene, the accuracy and convenience increases because the virus has shown signs of mutating [92]. Therefore, even if one target area is mutated, the second one can be detected by this process.

The large surface area provided by the nanoparticles can be beneficial for SARS-CoV-2 biosensors. Moreover, the development of these intricate biosensors in laboratories is very different from an industrial point of view. Therefore, mass production is also one of the factors to be considered among rapidness and high specificity.

Table 2 summarises the advantages offered by a particular type of sensor along with their limitations.

Table 2 Merits and challenges of various sensors
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4.3 Fluorescent Sensors

One of the most widely studied materials in nanotechnology is quantum dots. They are semiconductor particles or crystals with electrons and valance bond holes confined in the quantum realm in all three spatial dimensions [93]. Due to their unique optical properties, quantum dots have earned a place in sensing technologies as fluorescent agents. They are photo-chemically stable with high fluorescence quantum yield and broad excitation spectra and have exceptional emissive properties. These resilient properties make them suitable for use in a variety of biosensors such as immunoassays, nucleic acid detection, and Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) sensors [93, 94]. In a recent publication, pseudo-virions were created by linking the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain with fluorescent quantum dots. The ACE-2 receptors were linked with AuNP to study their interactions with the virus. This flexible imaging probe proved to be very successful in monitoring the binding and cellular internalization. The energy transfer followed by this reaction could be used to monitor the binding reaction and can be used for a potential biosensor [95].

Among all nanomaterials, nanorods are known for showing prodigious surface plasmon resonance exploitable for use in biosensors [96]. The use of gold and silver nanorods has attracted attention owing to their atypical optical properties. Previously, DNA-based fluorescent sensors have been developed to detect the Hepatitis B virus by Au nanorods. The Au nanorod surface was modified by wrap** it with CTAB (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide) to give a positive charge. When the fluorescein tagged, ssDNA added to the reaction mixture has a negative charge, so it was readily adsorbed on the Au nanorod surface to form a ternary complex (FAM-ssDNA–CTAB–AuNRs). This binding led to a decrease in the fluorescence emitted by the nanorod due to fluorescence resonance energy transfer [97].

4.4 Microarray-Based Sensors

DNA microarrays are considered the forefathers of DNA-based sensors. Usually, these arrays are used to study gene expressions. Microarray sensors recognize the molecular event of DNA hybridization on their sensing surface and convert it into a detectable signal, which is usually fluorescence [98]. A microarray is usually a glass or silica slide with thousands of spots on it. These spots have known segments of DNA and probes that can pair with their complementary DNA. The mRNAs are isolated from the unknown sample and are reverse transcribed into cDNAs which are then released on the microarray chip. If the binding takes place, the scanner detects it at the end of the process. These arrays function with high specificity because of the precise process of DNA hybridization [99]. The microarray-based sensors have been experimented in the previous SARS outbreak and can be developed for SARS-CoV-2 too [100]. By incorporating a suitable probe and producing reverse transcripted cDNAs, this approach can be employed in the diagnosis of this novel virus. The complete genome of the coronavirus was studied and a 60-mer oligonucleotide sequence was designed, which was immobilized on the microarray chip along with probes [101]. The samples from infected individuals were collected and the RNA of the virus was reverse-transcripted into cDNAs. After the conduction of hybridization, negative samples did not give any signal and positive samples were detected in the scanner. A universal microarray with six SNPs as targets was designed to combat the hindrance produced by the coronavirus mutations in the diagnosis [102]. This included the fusion of RT-PCR with a ligase detection reaction.

An immune response-based microarray has been developed to detect SARS-CoV-2 [103]. The microarray panel consisted of coronavirus antigen, including spike protein domains and nucleocapsid protein genes. In their study, researchers added SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and common cold coronaviruses along with the COVID-19 samples. The positive samples portrayed high reactivity to the SARs-CoV-2 S and N proteins. Microarray-based sensors can provide manifest results for coronavirus identification and can be considered as a better alternative than PCR processes. It can detect thousands of DNA fragments in a single reaction. Along with better detection, it also provides a scope for vaccine development because of its capacity to study the entire gene sequence of the virus synchronously [100, 103].

Table 3 encapsulates the type of nanomaterial incorporated in the sensor along with their function and targets.

Table 3 List of various nanomaterials used in sensor devices
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5 Conclusions

The coronavirus outbreak has highlighted the significance of biosensors as detection tools for rapid, sensitive, and selective sensing of this novel virus. This SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has affected millions of people globally and crumbled the economy. With advancements in sensor development and nanotechnology-enabled devices, we have presented some potential testing alternatives for the traditional process of RT-PCR. Even though the PCR-based approach is the gold standard, it demands time, sophistication, and expertise, which is not suitable in this case. Fast detection holds immense importance and can play a crucial role in containing the outspread. In this review, we have discussed sensors targeting the virus nucleocapsid protein, RNA, and antibodies produced by the host in response to the virus. Sensors confining the extraordinary properties of nanoparticles along with the specificity of antigen–antibody interactions like the AuNP lateral flow assay can provide an excellent detection kit that will be suitable for use by any individual. These sensors can identify the asymptomatic individuals with the collection of blood samples, also eliminating the exposure to infected nasopharyngeal swabs. The electrochemical method can provide a miniaturized device ensuring label-free detection of the virus. The sensor will be similar to a glucometer with the ability to digitally produce the results. Similar voltammetric and impedimetric biosensors enhanced with nanotechnology-enabled device integration and fabrication can give accurate and spontaneous results. These biosensors can test multiple samples with an increase in the number of electrodes. Biosensors delivering rapid naked-eye detection of the virus are under research based on the concept of colorimetry. Plasmonic AuNPs are being used along with four antisense oligonucleotides genes of the virus. Since the virus is mutating, this technique promises accurate detection even if a few regions are mutated. Colorimetric sensors give manifest results without the requirement of any additional device for studying the result. Another capable technique that can be integrated into the sensor can be microarrays. This intricate technique can test a large number of samples in much less time. With advancements in these sensor-based techniques, the novel coronavirus diagnosis will completely change in the coming time. As of now, blood and serum testing are being considered the most effective ones. The scope of development of a robust and rapid sensor for COVID-19 should be backed with successful commercialization and mass-scale production of these devices.