SOMAmer technology to diagnose coronavirus infection: veterinary and zoonotic implications.

This project aims to research the development of a multiplex diagnostic Lateral Flow Device (LFD) to identify and differentiate coronavirus infections, aid more effective decision-making on interventions, and identify the occurrence and co-occurrence of infections from a single sample. This DPhil project will utilise aptamer technology, which is analogous to antibodies in function. Aptamers are oligonucleotides, small single-stranded DNA or RNA structures capable of specific binding to a selected protein target and therefore are ideal for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Aptamers in addition offer further utility in terms of speed, cost, and flexibility in developing diagnostic tools compared to traditional monoclonal antibody applications. Furthermore, advanced highly modified DNA aptamers, specifically utilising SOMAmer technology (Slow off-rate modified aptamers) offer greater stability for long term storage.