JNC Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; CEO and President: Keizo Yamada) and Prof. Kazunori Ikebukuro of Institute of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology (Headquarters: Fuchu, Tokyo; President: Kazuhiro Chiba) have succeeded in the rapid, high sensitivity detection of the novel corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) S protein using the Rapid and High Sensitivity Immunoassay (AptIa method) that they jointly developed.
The Rapid and High Sensitivity Immunoassay (AptIa method) (hereafter, AptIa method) combines JNC's patented technology "Thermo-responsive magnetic nanoparticles (Therma-Max)" and "antigen recognition by DNA aptamers" developed by Prof. Ikebukuro. Used in testing specimens, it enables low cost (1/10 - 1/2 of that using antibodies), rapid (1/3 - 1/2 that with ELISA method), high sensitivity (up to 10 times more sensitive than ELISA method) antigen detection (turbidity).
■Features of antigen detection by AptIa method One feature of the AptIa method is the use of just one type of DNA aptamer to detect antigens. With conventional antigen detection kits, 2 types of antigen recognition molecule (antibodies) were required.
Also, through the combined use of DNA aptamers that bind with influenza viruses, the novel coronavirus and influenza viruses could be detected at the same time. As a turbidity meter is used for measurement, mobile measurement is also possible.
In addition, DNA aptamer molecules can be designed and synthesized more rapidly than those of monoclonal antibodies so they should be highly applicable to the novel corona virus (diagnosis) since it constantly mutates.
Another expected application is in an immunochromatographic rapid test (visual detection) for the novel coronavirus in saliva, through combination of the AptIa method with JNC's patented paper chromatography method.
Thus, we can expect to see many applications of the AptIa method.
With a view to developing the AptIa method into a commercial product in the future, we intend to partner with various organizations in collaborative research, focusing on manufacturers of diagnostic biomarker agents.
Many new technologies have been developed for rapid testing and diagnosis for the novel corona virus through collaboration among a wide range of industries and academia. One of them, the "SATIC" method announced by Nihon University, also uses magnetic nanoparticles for rapid testing. Therma-Max used in the AptIa method is a commercial product resulting from collaborative research between JNC and Kobe University.
The JNC group aims to continue contributing in the fight against Covid-19 through its proprietary technologies.
*Principle of antigen detection by AptIa method
[Inquiries concerning this press release]
General Affairs Dept., JNC Corporation TEL: 03-3243-6370 E-mail: kouhou@jnc-corp.co.jp
Prof. Kazunori Ikebukuro, Division of Biotechnology and Life Science, Institute of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology TEL: 042-388-7030 E-mail: ikebu@cc.tuat.ac.jp