Low cost assay for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 using antigen-displaying bacteria, lateral flow assay, and magnetic capture

Background: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome - Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), has rapidly spread around the world and has caused a pandemic that we are currently in confronted (ref. 1). In addition to the nucleic acid-based tests used for the diagnosis of acute (current) infections with SARS-CoV-2, serological tests are showing promise and may help control COVID-19. Obtaining serological tests of validated sensitivity and specificity could offer essential tools for the diagnosis of infection, the measurement of protective antibody titers during vaccination and the evaluation of the seroprevalence of immunity. in a population (ref. 2). Recently, much attention has been paid to ELISA and lateral flow tests, and many laboratories are currently developing numerous tests and, most importantly, evaluating their performance (Ref. 2). Objectives: We aim to develop a simple and inexpensive test to detect specific antibodies to SARS CoV-2 using genetically modified bacteria acting as a surface antigen. Our project has three objectives: (1.) to establish a proof of concept of low cost detection of specific antibodies to SARS CoV-2 and to define two applications for end users (2. and 3.). Detection of specific antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 using a simple and robust agglutination test based on the engineering of antigen presenting bacteria (3 months) Output data: Proof of concept of detection of specific antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. Low Cost Bedside Care Service: Lateral Flow Test Adaptation (2-4 months) Output Data: Performance for bedside trial and self-test. Magnetic capture of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies using manufactured magnetic bacteria (1 month) Output data: Magnetic capture and extraction of target antibodies using new technology developed in our laboratory and based on magnetic bacteria.