Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi, Dec.14: The Kusuma School of Biological Sciences at IIT Delhi has developed an RT-PCR-based test for the detection of the Omicron (B.1.1.529.1) form of SARS-CoV-2.
The technique is based on detecting particular mutations that are present in the Omicron variation but not in other SARS-CoV-2 variants currently circulating. Primer sets targeting these unique mutations in the S gene were created and evaluated using real-time PCR for selective amplification of either the Omicron variant or other currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants.
The assays were optimised to identify the wild-type from the Omicron variant in a dynamic range of 107 to fewer than 100 copies per reaction using synthetic DNA fragments.
Currently, Omicron is identified or screened for all over the world utilising next-generation sequencing-based procedures that take over three days. It will be feasible to screen for the presence of the Omicron variant in 90 minutes using this RT-PCR-based assay.
This can be used as a quick screening method for identifying and isolating those who have the Omicron variation. IIT Delhi has submitted an Indian patent application for the technology and is in the process of reaching out to possible business partners.
IIT Delhi had previously received ICMR permission for a SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR kit, which was successfully sold in the market. With this, it became the first academic institute in India to do so.
