Millions of people have been tested for the novel
coronavirus, most using a kit that relies on the polymerase chain
reaction (PCR). This sensitive method amplifies SARS-CoV-2 RNA from
patient swabs so that tiny amounts of the virus can be detected.
However, as the pandemic surges, this laboratory workhorse is
showing signs of strain. Now, researchers reporting a
proof-of-concept study in ACS Nano have developed a potentially
more accurate diagnostic based on plasmonic photothermal
sensing.
