Polarimetric imaging for the detection of synthetic models of SARS-CoV-2: A proof of concept.

To conduct a proof-of-concept study of the detection of two synthetic models of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) using polarimetric imaging. Two SARS-CoV-2 models were prepared as engineered lentiviruses pseudotyped with the G protein of the vesicular stomatitis virus, and with the characteristic Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. Samples were prepared in two biofluids (saline solution and artificial saliva), in four concentrations, and deposited as 5-µL droplets on a supporting plate. The angles of maximal degree of linear polarization (DLP) of light diffusely scattered from dry residues were determined using Mueller polarimetry from87 samples at 405 nm and 514 nm. A polarimetric camera was used for imaging several samples under 380-420 nm illumination at angles similar to those of maximal DLP. Per-pixel image analysis included quantification and combination of polarization feature descriptors in 475 samples. The angles (from sample surface) of maximal DLP were 3° for 405 nm and 6° for 514 nm. Similar viral particles that differed only in the characteristic spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2, their corresponding negative controls, fluids, and the sample holder were discerned at 10-degree and 15-degree configurations. Polarimetric imaging in the visible spectrum may help improve fast, non-contact detection and identification of viral particles, and/or other microbes such as tuberculosis, in multiple dry fluid samples simultaneously, particularly when combined with other imaging modalities. Further analysis including realistic concentrations of real SARS-CoV-2 viral particles in relevant human fluids is required. Polarimetric imaging under visible light may contribute to a fast, cost-effective screening of SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens when combined with other imaging modalities.

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© 2023 The Author(s).

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Emilio Gomez-Gonzalez reports financial support was provided by Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, Institute of Health ‘Carlos III’. Emilio Gomez-Gonzalez reports financial support was provided by Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation and ERDF. Francisco Jose Garcia-Cozar reports financial support was provided by Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, Institute of Health ‘Carlos III’. Alejandro Barriga-Rivera reports financial support was provided by Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation and ERDF. Olga Muñoz reports financial support was provided by Center of Excellence ‘Severo Ochoa’. Juan Carlos Gomez-Martin reports financial support was provided by Center of Excellence ‘Severo Ochoa’. Jose Luis Ramos reports financial support was provided by Center of Excellence ‘Severo Ochoa’. Olga Muñoz reports financial support was provided by Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (LEONIDAS Grant). Juan Carlos Gomez-Martin reports financial support was provided by Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (LEONIDAS Grant). Jose Luis Ramos reports financial support was provided by Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (LEONIDAS Grant). Emilio Gomez-Gonzalez has patent Apparatus and method for the optical detection of pathogens at a distance pending to Universidad de Sevilla and Andalusian Health Service. Alejandro Barriga-Rivera has patent Apparatus and method for the optical detection of pathogens at a distance pending to Universidad de Sevilla and Andalusian Health Service. Javier Marquez-Rivas has patent Apparatus and method for the optical detection of pathogens at a distance pending to Universidad de Sevilla and Andalusian Health Service. One coauthor serves as Handling Associate Editor for the Journal of Quantitative Spectroscopy & Radiative Transfer - Olga Muñoz