Development of a rapid and specific MALDI-TOF mass spectrometric assay for SARS-CoV-2 detection

Kollhoff L, Kipping M, Rauh M, Ceglarek U, Barka G, Barka F, Sinz A (2023)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2023

Journal

Clinical Proteomics BioMed Central

Book Volume: 20

Article Number: 26

Journal Issue: 1

DOI: 10.1186/s12014-023-09415-y

Abstract

Abstract: We have developed a rapid and highly specific assay for detecting and monitoring SARS-CoV-2 infections by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). As MALDI-TOF mass spectrometers are available in a clinical setting, our assay has the potential to serve as alternative to the commonly used reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Sample preparation prior to MALDI-TOF-MS involves the tryptic digestion of SARS-CoV-2 proteins, followed by an enrichment of virus-specific peptides from SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein via magnetic antibody beads. Our MALDI-TOF-MS method allows the detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein in sample collection medium as low as 8 amol/µl. MALDI-TOF mass spectra are obtained in just a few seconds, which makes our MS-based assay suitable for a high-throughput screening of SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare facilities in addition to PCR. Due to the specific detection of virus peptides, different SARS-CoV-2 variants are readily distinguished from each other. Specifically, we show that our MALDI-TOF-MS assay discriminates SARS-CoV-2 strain B.1.617.2 “delta variant” from all other variants in patients’ samples, making our method highly valuable to monitor the emergence of new virus variants. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]

Authors with CRIS profile

Manfred Rauh Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine

Involved external institutions

Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) DE Germany (DE) Universität Leipzig DE Germany (DE) SunChrom Wissenschaftliche Geräte GmbH DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Kollhoff, L., Kipping, M., Rauh, M., Ceglarek, U., Barka, G., Barka, F., & Sinz, A. (2023). Development of a rapid and specific MALDI-TOF mass spectrometric assay for SARS-CoV-2 detection. Clinical Proteomics, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12014-023-09415-y

MLA:

Kollhoff, Lydia, et al. "Development of a rapid and specific MALDI-TOF mass spectrometric assay for SARS-CoV-2 detection." Clinical Proteomics 20.1 (2023).

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