Education

IIT Delhi researchers develop omicron detection method, claim results within 90 minutes

December 13, 2021
Bharat Times

IIT Delhi research devises new way to detect omicron variant within 90 minutes (Representational image)

Using this RT-PCR based assay, it would be possible to test for the presence of the omicron variant within 90 minutes, claim the researchers. Currently, this process takes 3 days

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  • Last Update:December 13, 2021, 18:00 IST
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the researchers IIT Delhi Omron claims to have developed a new method for variant detection that can give results within 90 minutes. Currently, oomicrons are identified or screened worldwide using next-generation sequencing-based methods, which require more than three days.

The assay is based on the detection of specific mutations, which are present in the omicron variant and presently absent in other circulating variants of the coronavirus, claims the IIT. Using this RT-PCR based assay, it would be possible to test for the presence of the omicron variant within 90 minutes, claim the researchers. It can be used as a rapid screening assay for the identification and isolation of individuals with oomicron variants.

Read | From testing kits to anti-COVID gear: How educational institutions contributed in the fight against coronavirus

The method has been developed by the Kusuma School of Biological Sciences at IIT-Delhi. “Primer sets targeting these unique mutations in the S gene were designed for specific amplification of either the Omicron variant or other currently circulating variants of SARS-CoV-2 and were tested using real-time PCR . Using synthetic DNA fragments, assays were optimized to separate the wild-type from the Omicron variant in the dynamic range of 107.

IIT Delhi has filed an Indian patent application for the same and is in the process of initiating talks with potential industry partners. IIT Delhi had earlier received ICMR approval (the first educational institution in India to do so) SARS-CoV-2 . RT-PCR kit for the diagnosis of, which was successfully launched in

Market.

IIT-Delhi had earlier developed a kit for the detection of COVID-19 that can be used without the intervention of experts. A peptide-based test to detect COVID-19 antibodies called ELISA helps determine whether a person has antibodies for COVID-19 in their blood. According to IIT-Delhi, the test results can help identify antibodies in individuals who wish to donate blood for experimental treatment of infected patients.

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