Novel coatings to minimize surface degradation and fracture susceptibility of dental ceramics

This R01 competing revision is focused on establishing the sensitivity of our novel sensor to the SARS-CoV2 protein antigen. This is a revision of our current aims in response to the NIH NIDCR NOSI for immediate and high impact research to help protect dental professionals in this COVID-19 pandemic. Our data using the plastic circuit board (PCB) sensor demonstrated capability to detect the S2 protein antigen of the SARS-CoV2 virus in concentrations as low as 0.7 fM. The long-term goal of this research is to develop a handheld, non-invasive, lowcost,point-of care, accessible sensor capable of detecting SARS-CoV2 in saliva for immediate identification of this disease. Our overall objectives in this application, which are the next steps toward attainment of our longterm goal are to: i) To optimize the analytical sensitivity and specificity of detecting SARS-CoV-2 virus in contexts relevant to clinical application and; (ii) To develop a miniaturized handheld sensor with sensitivity identical to the working PCB prototype, suitable for use in clinical field testing.This unique, translational research project is an alternative testing methodology to the current gold standard for COVID-19 of nasopharyngeal swab tests analyzed through reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), which is invasive and needs signal amplification of viral RNA for proper detection. Since this electrical sensor can detect the virus at such low concentrations, there is no need for amplification, and the result is rapid so individuals, particularly health care workers, can immediately implement quarantine and treatment strategies to prevent spread. The non-invasive methodology also makes periodic re-testing feasible and also allows identification of the asymptomatic reservoir in the population along with having the ability to monitor the progression of the disease through viral loading in saliva. To achieve this goal, we plan to ensure the specificity and sensitivity of the sensor to SARS-CoV2. In addition, we also plan to consolidate the electronic components into a smaller microchip to allow for portability and easy accessibility of the testing device. We propose thefollowing aims to test our central hypothesis: Aim 1: To optimize the specificity and sensitivity of SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection in human saliva using the PCB sensor platform. Aim 2: Develop a handheld sensor for qualitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigen in human saliva with performance specifications equivalent to the large-scale PCB prototype.