Using 49 diagnostic remnant samples, the authors demonstrated that Nanotrap particles can improve detection of SARS-CoV-2 and eliminate false negatives. The method had 100% concordance with all of the samples that previously tested positive, improved the real-time RT-PCR signal by an average of 3.1 Ct values in the low viral load samples, and identified SARS-CoV-2 in 9 out of the 32 samples that had previously tested negative.

Finally, the authors demonstrated that the method was able to concentrate infectious SARS-CoV2 from contrived samples and SARS-CoV-2 from diagnostic remnant samples in pooled patient sample mimics, an approach which is a promising way forward to address the massive testing scale-ups that are necessary. 

“These results build on previous data demonstrating that Nanotrap particles improve detection of influenza, RSV, and other strains of coronavirus, including in multiplex applications,” said Ben Lepene, Ceres Nanoscience Chief Technology Officer and corresponding author on the preprint. “We are very excited about the ongoing adoption of our technology in clinical testing labs around the world.”