Functional nanostructures-based biosensors for respiratory tract infecting viruses

Recent pandemic of novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has claimed tens of thousands of deaths due to lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) and over a million positive cases reported worldwide. It is an emerging respiratory virus and to date there is no medicine or vaccine available for its treatment. Other common respiratory viruses, such as influenza A virus (FluA), influenza B virus (FluB), human adenovirus (HAdV), parainfluenza virus (PIV), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) likely to mutate and potentially cause serious public health concerns with signs and symptoms similar to SARS-CoV-2. Such emerging new variants of viruses and associated future morbidity and mortality may contribute to high economic losses. Elderly, infants, children and individuals with pre-existing chronic diseases condition and compromised immune systems are easily infected with viral LRTI. Therefore, early and rapid diagnosis of viral LRTI enables early prevention and control of the future viral outbreaks, prevent spreading of viruses and possible treatments. In this project, we will summarize functional nanostructures-based biosensors for detecting respiratory viruses or LRTIs, review existing knowledge and provide future prospects of point-of-care platforms in dealing with viral pandemics.