Point-of-care diagnostic for amplification and detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA

PROJECT SUMMARY Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in late 2019 and has rapidly spread around the world. We propose the development of a diagnostic assay that will exhibit a low limit of detection of SARS-CoV-2 via a unique viral RNA amplification process. By developing a method to enrich viral RNAs over eukaryotic or bacterial RNAs we can lower the limit of detection and potentially reduce the level of false positives and negatives observed when using RT-based diagnostics. As this method is specific for viral RNA in general, it will can be used for other human ssRNA viral pathogens, such as Zika or Dengue. The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will be the development of a new step in viral RNA detection, usable for detecting SARS-CoV-2, but also other ssRNA viruses. By using an isothermal approach to amplify viral RNA our device will eliminate the need for expensive equipment, which increases access to testing. The proposed work will validate the specificity of the enzyme toward viral RNAs, develop a system to extract and detect these RNAs, and lower the detection limit for POC or at-home diagnostics.