Brazilian researchers developing rapid COVID-19 diagnostic test based on yeast

In Brazil, incubated at the University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, and supported by São Paulo Research Foundation- FAPESP’s Innovative Research in Small Business Program (PIPE), BIOinFOOD is a startup that is developing a rapid COVID-19 diagnostic test based on a patent application filed by students at UNICAMP’s Genomics and Bioenergy Laboratory. The test is based on a biosensor consisting of a genetically modified brewer’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), which changes color if human ACE2 receptor expressed by the yeast’s membrane binds to the spike glycoprotein present on the external surface of the virus.