IVACE – FEDER COVIR II

Objective

The general objective of the project is to study strategies for controlling respiratory viruses in industry. The project adopts a holistic approach, considering three key aspects:

1. Development of virus diagnostic tools: During this period, the aim is to obtain a methodology to discriminate between the different variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and to increase the number of environments in which the virus is detected, including air.

2. Development of methodologies to assess environmental contamination systems. During this period, progress will be made in the study of inactivation methods that can be applied in environments where people are present, and rapid assessment methods will be researched.

3. Development of preclinical model tools to assess prevention strategies and to prevent or minimise the action/infection of the virus. During this period, a step forward will be taken with regard to the cellular model, applying 3D cellular models of the immune system associated with mucous membranes, as well as applying this model to the development of an integrated system based on the dynamic in vitro colonic fermentation digester to assess the effect of compounds that interact with the intestinal microbiota.

Activities

Development of tools for the detection and quantification of SARS-CoV-2 in the environment and for the assessment of virus variants in wastewater
Development of specific and rapid methodologies for the assessment of air and environmental decontamination systems
Development of advanced preclinical models to identify and study compounds that strengthen the immune system against respiratory viruses
Communication and dissemination
Transfer and promotion of results
Management and coordination