Rapid, point-of-care, visual detection of RBD of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein using an acrylamide-free photonic crystal aptasensor

Key Points

• The aim is to develop a method for the rapid detection of the RBD of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein using an innovative aptasensor.
• Synthesis of PS@poly(HEMA-AA) core-shell microspheres.
• Fabrication of stimuli-responsive photonic crystals for specific target detection.
• Testing the aptasensor for effective sensing of the spike protein.
• Successfully detected the RBD of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with high specificity.
• Demonstrated rapid response times suitable for point-of-care applications.