Rapid one-pot isothermal amplification reassembled of fluorescent RNA aptamer for SARS-CoV-2 detection

The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 poses a serious threat to human life and health. A rapid nucleic acid tests can effectively curb the spread of the disease. With the advantages of fluorescent RNA aptamers, low background and high sensitivity. A variety of fluorescent RNA aptamer sensors have been developed for the detection of nucleic acid. Here, we report a hypersensitive detection platform in which SARS-CoV-2 initiates RTF-EXPAR to amplify trigger fragments. This activation leads to the reassembled of the SRB2 fluorescent RNA aptamer, restoring its secondary structure for SR-DN binding and turn-on fluorescence. The platform completes the assay in 30 min and all reactions occur in one tube. The detection limit is as low as 116 aM. Significantly, the platform's quantitative analyses were almost identical to qPCR results in simulated tests of positive samples. In conclusion, the platform is sensitive, accurate and provides a new protocol for point-of-care testing of viruses. [Display omitted] •A platform based on reassembled SRB2 to assist the RTF-EXPAR were constructed.•The detection limit for SARS-CoV-2 is as low as 116 aM.•The platform is highly specific, labelling-free and suitable for clinical sample testing.