Development of a coupled inactivating transport medium and RNA purification protocol for SARS-CoV-2

The standard method for detecting SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for causing COVID-19, is called "RT-PCR" (reverse transcription, polymerase chain reaction). RT-PCR works by directly detecting the virus genetic material in patient samples and as such it requires the virus genetic material (its genome) to be intact in these samples in order to work. Because of this samples for screening need to be handled as if they are infectious and this requires the use of specialist facilities for handling.

Ideally, clinical samples would be collected into a transport medium that would inactivate the virus whilst ensuring that its genetic material remains intact for RT-PCR. This would allow handling of samples without the need for the specialist facilities required to protect operators from potential infection. Some such media exist but are usually based on very caustic chemicals meaning that they cannot necessarily be used in some settings.

In this project we aim to develop a new safe transport medium for the collection of patient samples for RT-PCR. This transport medium is based on a chemical that has a long history of safe human use and doesn't have the issues associated with caustic chemicals. Additionally, by modifying this chemical we aim to enhance the properties of the transport medium such that it will aid in the detection of virus by RT-PCR. Finally, the agents developed from this project can also be used as the basis for the development of new disinfectant products for clinical, industrial and personal use.