Design, development, and validation of an end-user assay for low-cost, on-site, and rapid quantification of COVID-19 antigen and antibodies

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Introduction of COVID-19 vaccines in late 2020 created hope for overcoming the pandemic, but soon it became clear that mankind is expected to struggle with SARS-CoV-2 until a time when world population (including children) is mass immunized. Reaching this goal is expected to take several years during which: 1) the vaccinated population need to maintain their immunity; 2) more effective approaches (e.g., low-cost, accessible, accurate) should be implemented for earlier identification of infected individuals to prevent future infection peaks. Successful implementation of these two objectives requires population-wide serological studies which in practice can only be realized through low-cost and widely accessible technologies for sensitive detection and quantification of COVID-19 antibodies (Ab) and virus/antigen (Ag). Such technologies currently do not exist.The goal of this partnership is to design, develop, and validate a low-cost end-user rapid test technology for sensitive detection and quantification of COVID-19 antibodies and antigen/virus. The engineering knowledge and innovative technologies generated through this project will enable the government of Canada to implement large scale, accessible and equitable quantitative testing through which well-educated decisions and policies can be made. For Canadian businesses, proposed project provides employers with low-cost, yet accurate, solutions to ensure workplace safety either through sensitive detection of infected individuals, or through monitoring of antibody levels of vaccinated employees. In terms of economy, proposed project aims to solve an existing worldwide challenge with significant socio-economic impact. Given the track record of partner in development and global marketing of rapid tests, the technology to be developed in Canada is expected to make significant contribution to Canadian economy through creation of jobs and global sales.