Novel bioluminescent Lumit™ Dx SARS-CoV-2 Immunoassay enables simple, scalable antibody detection

21 Jun 2021
Diane Li
Assistant Editor

Product news

A SARS-CoV-2 antibody test developed by Promega Corporation, the Lumit™ Dx SARS-CoV-2 Immunoassay, has received CE marking and is now available in Europe. The novel bioluminescent immunoassay is a qualitative in vitro diagnostic test intended to detect antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in serum.

Promega designed the Lumit™ Dx SARS-CoV-2 Immunoassay to be reliable, simple and scalable, enabling labs to:

  • Detect antibodies against the receptor-binding domain (RBD) antigen within the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein in serum in less than one hour at room temperature.
  • Conserve resources with a simple add-incubate-read workflow with no wash steps.
  • Accelerate testing of large patient populations by adapting the assay to high throughput on many automated platforms.

The assay leverages Promega NanoBiT® bioluminescence complementation technology to emit a measurable glowing signal when SARS-CoV-2 antibodies are present. NanoBiT® technology has received awards from The Scientist and the European Laboratory Research and Innovation Group.

“Bioluminescence, when applied to antibody detection, offers laboratories several advantages including a simple and fast workflow,” says Promega Chief Medical Officer Ashley Anderson, MD.

The Lumit™ Dx SARS-CoV-2 Immunoassay is also available in the US under a policy allowing developers of serological tests to make them available while awaiting US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review.

Promega COVID-19 Support

Promega reagents, assays and benchtop instruments are being used around the world for COVID-19 testing, research, and vaccine development.

  • Reagents to enable testing an estimated 800 million samples: Since January 2020, Promega has rapidly increased production to support labs testing for SARS-CoV-2 worldwide.
  • Products in the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Influenza SARS-CoV-2 (Flu SC2) Multiplex Assay for emergency use: Maxwell® RSC 48 and CSC 48 instruments; Maxwell® RSC Viral Total Nucleic Acid Purification Kit
  • Products in the CDC 2019-Novel Coronavirus Real-Time RT-PCR Diagnostic Panel for emergency use: GoTaq® Probe 1-Step RT-qPCR System; Maxwell® RSC 48 and CSC 48 instruments; Maxwell® RSC Viral Total Nucleic Acid Purification Kit
  • Technology to accelerate COVID-19 testing: XpressAmp™ Direct Amplification Reagents allow labs to skip the RNA extraction step of the workflow.

Tools used for COVID-19 applications are a small subset of the 4,000 products Promega manufactures and distributes globally, serving research, pharma, clinical, forensic and applied markets. These products are used for a myriad of applications in human health, disease, genetic identity, drug development, clinical diagnostics and more.

Do you use Promega Corporation products in your lab? Write a review today for your chance to win a $400 Amazon gift card>>

NanoBiT® PPI Starter Systems

Promega Corp.

NanoLuc® Binary Technology (NanoBiT) is a two-subunit system based on NanoLuc® luciferase that can be applied to the intracellular detection of protein:protein interactions (PPIs) in live cells. The NanoBiT® system is composed of two small subunits, Large BiT (LgBiT; 18kDa) and Small BiT (SmBiT; 11 amino acid peptide), that are expressed as fusions to target proteins of interest. The LgBiT and SmBiT subunits have been independently optimized for stability and minimal self-association. Interaction of the target proteins facilitates subunit complementation to give a bright, luminescent enzyme. The NanoBiT® PPI Starter Systems provide the vectors required to create the LgBiT and SmBiT protein fusions, a PRKACA:PRKAR2A constitutively interacting positive control pair and a negative control vector. Starter systems also include the Nano-Glo® Live Cell Assay System, a single-addition, non-lytic detection reagent used for monitoring NanoBiT® luminescence in living cells. The reagent is prepared by diluting the Nano-Glo® Live Cell Substrate with the Nano-Glo® LCS Dilution Buffer to make the Nano-Glo® Live Cell Reagent. Both substrate and buffer solutions are optimized to provide enhanced stability and reduce autoluminescence in the presence or absence of serum, increasing the sensitivity for detection of low levels of NanoBiT® luminescence. The FKBP:FRB pair is provided separately as an inducible positive control. Expression is driven by HSV-TK promoter, providing constitutive, low-level expression in mammalian cells. Using the NanoBiT® MCS Starter System, you can generate N- and C-terminal LgBiT and SmBiT fusions to proteins of interest using traditional cloning with a multiple cloning site (MCS). Using the NanoBiT® Flexi® Starter System, you can generate N- and C-terminal LgBiT and SmBiT fusions using the Flexi® Vector Cloning System, a directional cloning method based on two rare-cutting restriction enzymes, SgfI and PmeI, that provides a rapid, efficient and high-fidelity way to transfer protein-coding regions between Flexi® Vectors without the need to resequence. Utilize Find My Gene™ to obtain your ORF clones already in Flexi® format for simple creation of fusions.   Features: Obtain Greater Sensitivity: Bright signal and reduced background improve sensitivity, signal:background ratio and dynamic range. More Accurately Model PPI Biology: Minimize artifacts with small tags and low, natural expression levels; perform real-time kinetic analysis in live cells. Precisely Measure Interaction Dynamics: Low affinity of tags minimizes spontaneous LgBiT:SmBiT association; complementation is easily reversible allowing accurate analysis of protein association and disassociation. Perform Simple Measurement: Bright luminescent output is ideal for any luminometer with no specific filter or injector requirements. Scale Your Assays: Assays can be scaled from bench to HTS, allowing use with any plate size up to 1,536-well format; detection reagent has been optimized for benchtop stability. Applications: Real-time measurements of PPI dynamics. Single-copy or single-cell measurements of PPI. PPI modulator screens in 384- or 1536-well formats.

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AntibodiesAntibodies are used in techniques such as confocal and fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, ELISA, ELISPOT, immunohistochemistry, western blotting and immunopreciptation. Select specific antigen reactivity, high specific affinity, low non-specific binding, monoclonal or polyclonal, primary or secondary antibodies and associated conjugates such as an enzyme or dye for visualization.ImmunologyImmunological techniques measure and characterize immune responses. Immunology kits and analysis systems often use techniques such as ELISA, radioimmunoassay (RIA) and immunodiffusion assays, Immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Immunologists use equipment such as flow Cytometers, plate readers, plate washers and fluorescent microscopes.Cellular PathologyCellular Pathology deals with the microscopic analysis of tissue samples and cells. Sample preparation and processing includes fixation, staining, sectioning and slide mounting, using equipment such microtomes and cryostats. In choosing immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry kits, consider chromogens, staining method, antibodies, microscopes and imaging.Clinical ChemistryBiochemistry (or clinical chemistry) involves the analysis of bodily fluids using chemical tests. Techniques used include HPLC, chromatography, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, immunochemical, electrophoresis, turbidometric / spectrophotometric assay, MRI and ISE analysis. Tests are often carried out on plasma or serum but urine (urinalysis) and fecal specimens are also processed.Clinical GeneticsMolecular Genetics covers the analysis of hereditary genetic disease and chromosomal abnormalities. Genetics can be analysed using DNA, RNA, and protein microarrays, PCR, RT PCR and DNA sequencing. Genetic equipment includes genetic workstations, thermal cyclers, cooling blocks and electrophoresis products. Diagnostic kits are used for DNA / RNA extraction and purification.Clinical MicrobiologyMicrobiology is the study of microorganisms including protists, prokaryotes, fungi, and, often, viruses. Microorganisms are a useful research tool as genetic vectors and, in immunology, for antibiotic susceptibility testing, cellular biology and genetics. Microorganisms commonly grow readily in incubators with microbial culture media; this can contain chromogenic supplements to differentiate between cell lines. Estimate your culture’s density of microorganisms with colony counters, or screen and select colonies for desirable clones with automated colony pickers. Additionally, equipment is available to monitor environments for the presence of microbes and identify with microbial identification instruments. Find the best microbiology products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.RegulatoryPharmaceutical regulations impact on all areas of drug development, manufacture and control and supply. Services are provided from the early stages of drug development and clinical trials through to dossier submission, approval and marketing. Regulatory also includes submission of analytical studies from the pharmaceutical product and safety. ImmunoassayImmunoassays are laboratory tests that utilize antibody-antigen interactions to detect specific substances. They are widely used in diagnostics for detecting diseases, drug testing, and environmental monitoring. These assays offer rapid, sensitive, and precise detection of biomarkers, making them invaluable in clinical and research labs. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to compare immunoassay systems, read user reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.VirusesViruses are microscopic pathogens that require a host cell to replicate. Understanding their structure, replication cycle, and impact on the immune system is crucial in developing effective treatments, vaccines, and diagnostic methods. Research continues to focus on emerging viral diseases and antiviral drug discovery. Explore solutions for virus research, detection, and treatment in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check customer reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.In Vitro DiagnosticsIn vitro diagnostics (IVD) involve testing samples outside the body, typically in a laboratory, to diagnose diseases or conditions. IVD technologies include blood tests, molecular assays, and other bodily fluid tests, enabling accurate diagnosis and monitoring of diseases. These tests are essential for guiding treatment decisions in clinical settings. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best IVD solutions; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.CoronavirusCoronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases like COVID-19. Research into the biology, transmission, and treatment of coronaviruses has become a global priority, particularly since the emergence of SARS-CoV-2. Understanding the virus�s structure and behavior is essential for developing vaccines, diagnostics, and antiviral treatments. Explore our peer-reviewed product directory to discover the latest research tools, diagnostic tests, vaccines, and treatments for coronavirus, compare products, read reviews, and receive pricing directly from manufacturers.Covid-19COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has led to a global health crisis with profound impacts on societies and economies. Research into diagnostics, vaccines, treatments, and understanding viral mechanisms continues to evolve. The pandemic has accelerated innovations in healthcare and biopharmaceuticals, including novel vaccine platforms and rapid testing technologies. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find top COVID-19 testing kits, research tools, vaccines, and treatments, compare products, read reviews, and receive direct pricing from manufacturers.