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.
