Researchers develop new PCR system for detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus

Michael Traugott and the spin-off company Sinsoma GmbH, together with the Departments of Zoology and Microbiology at the University of Innsbruck, are developing a new PCR system for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This new PCR method works with different analytical materials that are easier to obtain and allow high-throughput testing. First tests were successful.

As requested by the Austrian Federal Government and the WHO, a significant increase in the capacity for coronavirus testing is essential to combat the new coronavirus. The University of Innsbruck is now responding to this by immediately developing and evaluating a new high-throughput method for the genetic analysis of patient samples at its Faculty of Biology.

At the Departments of Zoology and Microbiology at the University of Innsbruck, several successful feasibility tests for a high-throughput CE-PCR for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus have been carried out in recent days in cooperation with Sinsoma GmbH, a spin-off company of the University of Innsbruck.

Finding the needle in the haystack

This approach uses the coupling of highly sensitive endpoint PCR and capillary electrophoresis (CE) in contrast to conventional real-time PCR protocols to detect genetic traces of the virus in samples. This is achieved by using specific, very short DNA sequences - so-called primers - which dock to the virus' RNA. This makes it possible to find the needle in the haystack. Just a few corona virus RNA molecules are enough to be discovered with the help of the procedure of the Innsbruck team. What is new about the Innsbruck approach is that it enables high-throughput CE-PCR analysis.

Not dependent on test kits used so far

With this novel approach, we use different reagents than the conventional test methods. As a result, we are not affected by material shortages, which are already occurring due to the great global demand for conventional tests."

Michael Traugott, scientist at the University of Innsbruck and co-founder of Sinsoma GmbH

The Innsbruck laboratory can carry out up to 1,000 tests per day if the evaluation by the authorities is successful and can then gradually expand this capacity. "With this, we want to offer an alternative method that ensures the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in high throughput even if the supply situation becomes more difficult," says Rector Tilmann Märk. "With this new method, we at the University of Innsbruck want to make a contribution to effectively support the massive expansion of the test capacity for combating the coronavirus."

Novel application of an established analysis method

The spin-off company Sinsoma GmbH is a specialist in DNA/RNA trace analysis. Highly sensitive methods enable the company to identify and quantify individual species as well as entire species communities by detecting DNA and RNA from different sample types. The spectrum ranges from microorganisms and plants to fish and mammals. The University of Innsbruck is a shareholder of Sinsoma GmbH via the university holding company.