Hallbergmoos, 09.01.2024 - vermicon AG, a pioneer in the field of industrial microbiology, announces the launch of its latest product line: qPCR test kits for the precise detection of viruses in complex samples. The first test kits, qPCR VIT® Corona, qPCR VIT® Influenza and qPCR Prep Wastewater, are used for wastewater-based monitoring of the epidemiological situation of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses.
qPCR technology has proven to be more suitable for the precise detection of viruses than for analyzing bacteria. This is due to the small size of viruses in the nanometre range and the fact that, unlike bacteria, viruses are not living microorganisms but essentially just protein-coated nucleic acids. vermicon AG has therefore used its expertise in the field of molecular nucleic acid technologies to develop customised qPCR test kits. The products enable rapid and accurate determination of virus concentration in a variety of environments, including wastewater and other environmental samples.
The product line comprises two main categories: qPCR VIT® test kits for the specific monitoring of viruses and qPCR Prep test kits for sample preparation to ensure robust and precise results when analysing with the qPCR VIT® test kits. The first test kits of the new product line are qPCR VIT® Corona, qPCR VIT® Influenza and qPCR Prep Wastewater, which enable precise analysis of wastewater samples for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses and thus enable an early response to changes in the infection process. The three test kits are currently being used successfully in cooperation with HTS Labs Frankfurt GmbH as part of the AMELAG project (wastewater monitoring for epidemiological situation assessment) of the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG), Germany.
Dr Jiri Snaidr, microbiologist and CEO of vermicon AG, emphasises the importance of this innovation: "Our qPCR test kits for viruses are an important building block in the establishment of a wastewater-based epidemiological monitoring system. They complement our test systems for live bacteria, which are based on the proven VIT® gene probe technology, in an almost ideal way."
The new product line is the result of continuous research and development to offer innovative and robust analysis systems for the entire spectrum of microbiology. vermicon AG plans to continuously expand the number of qPCR test kits. The next test kit for the detection of RSV is in the final stage of development and will soon be available on the market..
About vermicon AG: For more than 25 years, vermicon AG has been offering innovative technologies, specific microbiological know-how and cultivation-independent methods for the in situ identification, quantification and visualisation of microorganisms. With customised solutions, it supports companies in industrial microbiology in development and at all stages of the production chain. As a pioneer in the field of wastewater microbiology, vermicon AG has been additionally dedicated to wastewater-based epidemiology since 2020. To establish robust and highly specific detection systems for analysing SARS-CoV-2, influenza viruses and other parameters in wastewater and the associated sewer systems, the company successfully cooperates with experts from the wastewater management sector.