CORONA - SARS-CoV-2-VLP-IVD - Development of a certified in vitro diagnostic (IVD) for the reliable determination of COVID-19-specific immune responses in human serum; subproject 3: Development of a routine method for the concentration and purification of SARS-CoV-2 VLPs.

The objectives for the collaborative partner sifin are to build a chromotography column based on the principle of immunoaffinity for the purification of virus particles (VLPs). For the purification of the recombinantly produced VLPs, specific camelid antibodies provided by the partner University of Potsdam will be used. The focus of the first project phase is the characterization and validation of the available antibodies with respect to the intended application. An important interim goal is the identification of suitable conditions for the stable binding of the antibodies to the column matrix while maintaining their functionality as VLP scavengers. Further, optimal conditions for antigen-antibody binding in the column and finally the largely non-destructive elution of the VLPs from the column will be determined. The final phase of the project will be the transfer of the cell lines from the partners and the upscaling of the production of culture supernatants and antibodies with the aim of transferring the production of the raw materials to an industrial scale.