IDEA #1PA5Q6 Protection and subsequent purification of viral genomes using viral adsorption onto activated charcoal particles. 21A0024

Protection and subsequent purification of viral genomes using viral adsorption onto activated charcoal particles Key Words: Activated charcoal, virus concentration, genome protection, viral nucleic acid purification The invention aids extraction of viral genomes after concentrating viruses from a large volume. The method uses a quick solid-phase exchange of viruses suspended in solutions of low titer such as wastewater and environmental samples. 4D. What un-met needs does this invention fulfill in the relevant field? 1. The method is faster, cheaper, and safer than existing commercially available methods of viral concentration and genomic extraction. 2. The method does not require heavy and more often expensive machinery involved in steps such as centrifugation and ultrafiltration, which are routinely used for concentrating viruses. The working model described here only requires a vacuum line or a vacuum pump. 3. The method requires minimum liquid handling and involves quick adsorption of viruses on a solid-phase material, which minimizes the risks from aerosolization leading to better containment especially required for pathogenic human viruses. 4. Weeding out contaminating naked RNA and DNA in the solution containing viruses ensures only encapsidated genomes are purified during extraction. 5. This method is easier to automate for a high-throughput application.