Point-of-care diagnostics for SARS-CoV-2 wastewater-based epidemiology: a big leap toward miniaturization

The integration of point-of-care diagnostics in SARS-CoV-2 wastewater-based epidemiology signifies a substantial leap forward in disease surveillance and monitoring. Various innovative methods have been explored for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater samples, each with its unique advantages and applications. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) has emerged as a prominent technique due to its sensitivity, rapidity, and simplicity. It amplifies pathogen genetic material without the need for a thermal cycler, making it suitable for point-of-care detection. Pairing microfluidic technology with LAMP enables swift and automated analysis directly on a chip. Additionally, paper-based devices offered a cost-effective and straightforward approach for LAMP-based detection, particularly beneficial in resource-limited settings. Combining LAMP with CRISPR/Cas technology enhances specificity and sensitivity, crucial for variant-specific detection like VarLOCK (variant-specific SHERLOCK). Aptamer-based electrochemical chips offer high specificity and stability, making them suitable for wastewater analysis. By integrating aptamer technology with filtration and purification systems, detecting SARS-CoV-2 on-site in wastewater becomes feasible, offering a practical solution for monitoring viral transmission. These methods showcase the diverse approaches in SARS-CoV-2 detection through wastewater-based epidemiology, promising effective disease surveillance. In this review, we will summarize these recent advancements in point-of-care diagnostics for SARS-CoV-2 wastewater-based epidemiology and explore their potential applications beyond SARS-CoV-2.