Diagnostic biosensors for coronaviruses and recent developments

Coronaviruses are well known airborne viruses that infect humans, other mammals, and birds. COVID-19 is the disease caused by the last emerging type of corona viruses; SARS-CoV-2 which resulted in the ongoing pandemic. Since its first identification, SARS-CoV-2 has spread globally causing significant morbidity and mortality. Fast and reliable diagnostic methods are crucial to control the virus outbreak. In this chapter, we summarize the traditional methods used to detect corona viruses. Various biosensors used for the detection of the virus antibodies and antigens were briefly discussed. Different biosensing approaches for the detection of corona viruses were presented with special emphasis on the reported biosensors for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. Major advancements in the biosensors area for corona viruses such as the use of cotton, magnetic nanoparticles, graphene, gold nanoparticles, and portable devices are highlighted. The challenges and future perspectives in the biosensors for the detection of corona viruses are discussed.