Sensitive and rapid on-site detection of SARS-CoV-2 using a gold nanoparticle-based high-throughput platform coupled with CRISPR/Cas12-assisted RT-LAMP

• We developed an AuNP-based visual assay that combines with Cas12a-assisted RT-LAMP amplification (CLAP) which could detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA as low as 4 copies/μL in less than 40 min. • The operation of CLAP is convenient and could be extended as a high-throughput automatic platform for large-scale population screening. • The CLAP assay is low-cost and easy to read out by the naked eye, which is suitable for POCT application. • The CRISPR/Cas12a enables the CLAP excellent sensitivity and specificity. The outbreak of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to a global pandemic. The high infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 highlights the need for sensitive, rapid and on-site diagnostic assays of SARS-CoV-2 with high-throughput testing capability for large-scale population screening. The current detection methods in clinical application need to operate in centralized labs. Though some on-site detection methods have been developed, few tests could be performed for high-throughput analysis. We here developed a gold nanoparticle-based visual assay that combines with CRISPR/Cas12a-assisted RT-LAMP, which is called C as12a-assisted RT- LA MP/AuN P (CLAP) assay for rapid and sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2. In optimal condition, we could detect down to 4 copies/μL of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in 40 min. by naked eye. The sequence-specific recognition character of CRISPR/Cas12a enables CLAP a superior specificity. More importantly, the CLAP is easy for operation that can be extended to high-throughput test by using a common microplate reader. The CLAP assay holds a great potential to be applied in airports, railway stations, or low-resource settings for screening of suspected people. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first AuNP-based colorimetric assay coupled with Cas12 and RT-LAMP for on-site diagnosis of COVID-19. We expect CLAP assay will improve the current COVID-19 screening efforts, and make contribution for control and mitigation of the pandemic.