Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi’s researchers have developed a way to detect the Covid-19 variant, Omicron, within 90 minutes.
These researchers were from IIT Delhi's Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, who developed an RT-PCR based assay for the observation of the Omicron (B.1.1.529.1) variant of SARS-CoV-2.
As of now, the entire world is using the next-generation sequencing-based methods to recognize or screen the new variant, omicron which requires at least three days.
However, with the help of this RT-PCR based assay, it is possible to determine the Omicron variant in 90 minutes.
The assay is based on determining the specific mutations, present in the Omicron variant and absent in other circulating variants of SARS-CoV-2.
According to the official IIT Delhi statement, the primer sets targeting the unique mutations in the S gene were designed for the specific amplification of the newly found Omicron variant or the currently circulating variants of SARS-CoV-2 and tested using real time PCR.
The RT-PCR based assay was optimized using synthetic DNA fragments to differentiate the wild-type from the Omicron variant in a dynamic range from 107 to <100 copies/reaction.
In order to identify the presence of omicron and isolate the affected individual, this RT-PCR based assay can be used as a rapid screening assay.
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Meanwhile, the institute has filed an Indian patent application for the same, which is in the process of initiating talks with potential industry partners.
Earlier, IIT Delhi was the first Indian Institute to receive approval from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), to launch an RT-PCR kit for the diagnosis of Covid-19.
A kit was developed by IIT-Delhi to detect Covid-19 in individuals, which could be used without the expert's help. ELISA is a covid-19 antibody that can be detected with the help of peptide-based test, which helps in detecting if an individual possesses antibodies for COVID-19 in their blood.
According to IIT-Delhi, the test results will help in recognizing antibodies in individuals who intend to donate blood for the experimental treatment of infected patients.
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