Recombinant protein production in prokaryotic and eukaryotic heterologous hosts for serological assays for COVID-19

Kenota Health (formerly ExVivo Labs), Kitchener, ON, has developed a complete sample-to-result lateral flow immunoassay testing system for point-of-care medical diagnostics. Kenota's technology fully integrates blood collection, purification and quantitative analyte analysis with an intuitive easy-to-use interface. Kenota has designed IgG and IgM antibody tests that can determine COVID-19 exposure in 10 minutes. Kenota plans to collaborate with Seneca's School of Biological Science and Applied Chemistry to develop processes and procedures for manufacturing SARS-CoV-2 recombinant proteins. The proposed project will lower the cost of testing and reduce the risk of delays in availability of tests. These serological assays are critical in determining the incidence of a pathogen in a population. In future, the ability to identify sensitive and specific SARS-CoV-2 antibodies could support screening of health care workers, minimizing the risk of viral spread to colleagues and other patients.