Engineering photonics solutions for COVID-19

Abstract

As the impact of COVID-19 on society became apparent, the engineering and scientific community recognized the need for innovative solutions. Two potential roadmaps emerged: developing short-term solutions to address the immediate needs of the healthcare communities and developing mid/long-term solutions to eliminate the over-arching threat. However, in a truly global effort, researchers from all backgrounds came together in tackling this challenge. Short-term efforts have focused on re-purposing existing technologies and leveraging additive manufacturing techniques to address shortages in personal protective equipment and disinfection. More basic research efforts with mid-term and long-term impact have emphasized developing novel diagnostics and accelerating vaccines. As a foundational technology, photonics has contributed directly and indirectly to all efforts. This perspective will provide an overview of the critical role that the photonics field has played in efforts to combat the immediate COVID-19 pandemic as well as how the photonics community could anticipate contributing to future pandemics of this nature.

FIG. 1.

Overview of the different technological solutions being pursued to address COVID-19.

FIG. 2.

The concentration of RNA and antibodies indicative of a SARS-CoV-2 infection varies with time since infection. Adapted with permission from Lee et al., Front. Immunol. 11, 879 (2020). Copyright 2020 Author(s), licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

FIG. 3.

Comparison of PCR methods for diagnosis of COVID-19. (a) Two-step PCR. First, RNA is converted to DNA through RT-PCR. Then, DNA is quantified using qPCR. This approach allows for optimization of both reactions, but it is more time-consuming than a one-step process. (b) One-step PCR. RT-PCR and qPCR are performed in the same vial in parallel. This approach is faster, but the two reactions are not optimized. (c) Cartoon of the type of data that are generated and analyzed. Images created with Biorender.com.

FIG. 4.

Immunoglobulin structure. (a) IgM structure is comprised of five monomers with ten binding sites. (b) IgG structure is comprised of one monomer with two binding sites. The binding sites are located at the end of the F_AB region of the monomer, in the variable region. Images created with Biorender.com.

FIG. 5.

Schematic of the RDT. (a) The RDT has two diagnostic lanes and a control lane. The conjugation pad contains a COVID-19 antigen and a control antibody, both labeled with a metal nanoparticle. The sample is wicked across the conjugation pad and then across all three lanes. (b) If a strip changes color, it indicates that the antibody is present. Images created with Biorender.com.

FIG. 6.

(a) Illustration of a dual-functional nanoplasmonic biosensor for COVID-19 RNA analysis. Reproduced with permission from Qiu et al., ACS Nano 14, 5268 (2020). Copyright 2020 American Chemical Society. (b) Illustration of a nanophotonic bimodal waveguide interferometer for direct sensing of intact SARS-CoV-2 viruses. CoNVaT project.

FIG. 7.

Overview of disinfection strategies. (a) Basic structure of coronavirus (and SARS-CoV-2), highlighting the key components needed for functioning. (b) Thermal and (c) chemical disinfection methods degrade the spike protein and the envelope protein. (d) Irradiation including UV-C degrades the RNA. Adapted with permission from Stadler et al., Nat. Rev. Microbiol. 1, 209 (2003). Copyright 2003 Springer Nature. SARS-beginning to understand a new virus.