The viral RNA extracted from the specimen by magnetic solid-phase extraction is converted to cDNA followed by PCR amplification. have experienced severe, mild, or no symptoms [3, 4]; thus, fast analysis of viral infection is of uttermost importance to isolate affected people. Although opacities in computed tomography images were observed in affected patients with pneumonia [5, 6, 7], this diagnosis is not always reliable. The viral genetic code deciphered in early January 2020 enables the Lasmiditan development of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detecting its distinct RNA?sequences [8]. The viral RNA consists of double-layered lipids enveloped with four major structural proteins (Figure?1 ). Open in a separate window Figure?1 Four known structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2 (created by BioRender.com). The abundant S protein (~150?kDa with 1255 amino acids, AA) mediates viral attachment to the host cell surface receptors (angiotensin-converting enzyme II [ACE2]), followed by viral infusion and entry. The motif KRSFIEDLLFNKV occurs in the spike glycoprotein that binds ACE2. The M protein (~25C30 kD with 221 AA) is MAPK10 the most abundant: defines the viral envelope shape and participates in Lasmiditan viral production and maturation. The smallest E protein (~8C12?kDa, 76 AA) is involved in viral budding and assembly, directing proteinCprotein interceptions and inducing membrane curvature?and preventing M protein aggregation. Based on its binding to the RNA genome, the N protein participates in viral assembly and budding [2?]. The N protein is the most immunogenic viral structural protein that is shed just a few days after infection with a peak at around 10 days after infection. RNA, ribonucleic acid. Real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) has been developed to target various viral genes [9] (Table?1 ). Acute infection with SARS-CoV-2 also invokes the release of antibodies against specific viral antigens in serum within days to weeks [10]. Table?1 Current target analytes and detection methods. thead th rowspan=”1″ colspan=”1″ Detection procedures /th th rowspan=”1″ colspan=”1″ Target analytes and other key points /th th rowspan=”1″ colspan=”1″ Ref. /th /thead RT-PCRS-gene, N-gene, E-gene, M-gene, RdRp (RNA-dependent RNA polymerase), and ORF1ab (open reading frame). br / Detection sensitivity and selectivity of such target genes vary as per the manufacturer studies. br / Such laboratory-based analyses are time consuming and required the extraction of RNA from patient specimens and specialty reagents/enzymes to deactivate RNase and convert RNA to the complementary DNA, followed by an amplification step. Proteinase K is frequently used to lyse the virus and it must be destroyed by subjecting the lysis buffer for 5C10?min at 95C. br / All available RNA detection formats can be adapted to detect SARS-CoV-2. br / The quality and relevant abundance of RNA in the collected samples are significantly dependent on the type and site of collection. br / Several commercial POC devices with automated instrument operation are available. Both integrate nucleic acid extraction and RT-PCR amplification into a cassette.[10, 11, 12, 13, 14]ImmunoassaysInfection with SARS-CoV-2 initiates the release of antibodies against specific viral N and S antigens: specific anti-S protein antibodies against the spike’s1 protein subunit and receptor-binding domains (RBD). br / These antibodies are released in serum within days to weeks after acute infection. Thus, serologic testing cannot be used to diagnose acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. br / However, serologic tests can identify persons with resolving or past SARS-CoV-2 infection.[10]Biosensing/diagnostic assaysThe detection of two viral proteins (S and N) opens the possibility for probing parts of the intact virus without any sample step. Open in a separate window RT-PCR, reverse transcription PCR; PCR, polymerase chain reaction; RNA, ribonucleic acid; POC devices, point-of-care devices. This opinion provides an overview of emerging electrochemical detection tools for effective coronavirus Lasmiditan diagnostic assays, encompassing the identification of viral nucleic acids, viral proteins (antigens), PCR by-products, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). PCR technology and immunoassays The detection of RNA by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is time consuming and does not have the screening capacity. Point-of-care (POC) testing (POCT) alleviates the burden of the testing load on central hospitals without compromising accuracy and detection selectivity for early detection and treatment of viral infection. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification?[15] and recombinase polymerase amplification?can detect the lowest copy Lasmiditan number of nucleic acids. Real-time PCR for POCT.