Biofingerprint detection of corona virus using Raman spectroscopy: a novel approach

Abstract Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is caused by SARS-CoV-2, a highly contagious respiratory virus that has caused a global pandemic. Despite the urgent need for effective diagnostic screening technologies, ideal methods for COVID-19 detection have not yet been developed. To address this issue, we developed a Raman spectroscopy technique for rapid and sensitive on-site detection of SARS-CoV-2, utilizing the unique spectral fingerprint of molecular vibrations. The proposed technique is non-invasive and label-free that enables the detection of molecular vibrations, providing a unique spectral fingerprint for different molecules. Raman spectra from 75 positive and 75 negative swab samples were analyzed, processed by smoothening and baseline correction of spectral data. The peaks in the processed data were detected and assigned based on literature peak, with peaks specific to positive samples used for detection with minimal false positives. These peaks were attributed to various molecules, including amino acids in proteins, glycoproteins, lipids, and protein structures. Our Raman spectroscopy technique provides a reliable and non-invasive approach for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, with potential to expand to other infectious agents. This method has significant implications for global health, aiding in effective control measures against COVID-19.