This work presents the development and application of an electrochemical biosensing device for the rapid and sensitive detection of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses in sewage samples.

The biosensor leverages the principles of biorecognition and electrochemical transduction to translate biomolecular interactions into quantifiable electrical signals.  The study delves into the design and characterization of the biosensing device, outlining the basic modules including the biorecognition element, electrochemical transducer, and signal processing components. The working principle of the electrochemical biosensor is explained, highlighting how it can effectively bridge the biological and electronic realms. The detailed design of the SARS-CoV-2 biosensor is presented, along with the morphological and material characterization. The electrochemical performance of the device is then evaluated, assessing its physical durability, sensitivity, response time, and limit of detection (LOD).

Building upon the foundational work, the study explores the application of the electrochemical biosensor for SARS-CoV-2 detection in sewage samples. The advantages of using electrochemical biosensors for wastewater surveillance are discussed, along with the specific challenges and considerations in applying these devices for sewage sample analysis. The performance evaluation of the biosensor examines its interference resistance, stability, reusability, screening ability, and cost-effectiveness.

The work also extends the application of the electrochemical biosensing platform to the detection of influenza viruses in sewage samples, presenting the materials and characterization, as well as the performance in terms of LOD and interference resistance.  Looking towards the future, the study introduces the concept of using microfluidic technology to enhance the sensitivity of the biosensing device. A trial application of the biosensor coupled with microfluidic technology is described, along with the potential for integrating advanced biosensors into the Internet of Things (IoT) framework. The study concludes by summarizing the key findings and outlining the promising avenues for further development in this field.  Overall, this work demonstrates the versatility and potential of electrochemical biosensing technology for the rapid and cost-effective surveillance of viral pathogens in wastewater, paving the way for more efficient public health monitoring and response.