According to the latest issue of Nature Nanotechnology, researchers at the University of Cambridge in the UK have developed a new test method that can use single-stranded DNA as a "bait" to "capture" multiple respiratory viruses at the same time, and give highly accurate results in less than an hour. Researchers said that the detection of multiple viruses at one time will ensure that patients receive correct treatment quickly and reduce the improper use of antibiotics.

The test uses DNA "nano bait" to simultaneously detect the most common respiratory viruses, including influenza, rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and COVID-19. In contrast, although the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test is highly specific and accurate, it can only test one virus at a time, and it takes several hours to get the results.

In addition, these tests can be used in any environment and can be easily modified to detect different bacteria and viruses, including potential new variants of COVID-19. At present, the northern hemisphere has entered the season of a high incidence of colds, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus. When patients appear in hospitals or clinics, medical staff must make treatment decisions quickly.

Researchers said that many respiratory viruses have similar symptoms, but need different treatment methods. This time, they developed a method to detect viruses directly using RNA, which does not need replication, but still has enough high sensitivity.

The test method is based on the structure constructed by double-stranded DNA and hanging single-stranded DNA. These single strands are "bait": they are programmed to "fish" specific regions of the target virus RNA. The nano bait then passes through a very small hole called a nanopore. Nanopore sensing is like the tape reader of an automatic transceiver, which can convert the molecular structure into digital information within a few milliseconds. The structure of each nano bait reveals the target virus or its variant.

This test can be easily reprogrammed to distinguish virus variants, including COVID-19 variants. Due to the precision of the programmable nano bait structure, this method can achieve nearly 100% specificity.

Researchers say this technology is a potential game changer.