Distributed Manufacturing of Antigen for Serological Testing and Countermeasures

Lead organization: University of California, Davis 

Project partners: Boston University, University of Texas-Austin, Johns Hopkins University, University of Georgia, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 

Year launched: 2022 

This project will advance innovative, proof-of-concept biomanufacturing platforms and technologies for rapid, cost-effective, distributed domestic manufacturing of antigens to use in testing and medical treatments for coronaviruses. 

Biomolecular platform technologies based on synthetic biology and seamless workflows from advanced bioprocessing will help make possible the rapid design and distributed production of recombinant glycoproteins for research reagents, serological testing, and, ultimately, for therapeutics and vaccine development.  

By establishing methods for rapid, distributed antigen production, this project will engender a completely new paradigm for distributed production and deployment of reagents for diagnostics and countermeasures in response to new disease outbreaks. This project will also integrate educational, workforce development, and outreach activities. 

Funding source: Special funding opportunity for Coronavirus response and preparedness distributed through the National Institute of Standards and Technology as part of the American Rescue Plan  

Related news: 

• UC Davis, Collaborators Receive $3.9M to Study Alternative COVID-19 Antigen Production 

• Johns Hopkins team part of massive bioindustrial initiative

• Commerce Department Awards $54 Million in American Rescue Act Grants to Increase Access to Advanced Manufacturing Opportunities