Manitoba Rural Adaptation Council

Project Description

This project will focus on the expansion of the knowledge base necessary to differentiate a broader array of varieties through characterization of a broad range of potential target proteins across all CWRS varieties and the optimization of the bar code detection system. The project will develop improved standard operating procedure for aptamer selection; enhance aptamer performance; optimize colour development for test strip application; develop a chip for the use of algorithms with a bar code reader; and develop prototypes. The project represents a transition from successful proof of concept to the optimization and development necessary for a commercially relevant product.

Project Objectives

To advance a rapid wheat variety identification technology towards commercialization and hence the end user to maximize value for western Canadian wheat producers through product differentiation and potentially dynamic blending or segregation to meet prescribed specifications.

General Information

Performance Story

This project developed a Standard Operating Protocol that will allow NeoVentures Biotechnology to manage selection procedures and optimize performance on the fly. The success rates have increased substantially through the application of this technology.

This project identified an aptamer for a specific peptide and continued work is being done to improve this aptamer.

Tests are currently being done with blind samples of individual varieties and blends. The technology will be capable of rapidly detecting the presence of any undesirable variety in a blend of CWRS wheat even if such an undesirable variety is not visually distinguishable from other CWRS varieties. NeoVentures Biotechnology is ready to commercialize the product given appropriate commercial targets.

This project successfully determined diagnostic DNA aptamers for protein sequence differences among CWRS wheat varieties; a provisional patent for method of detection of proteins using aptamers on paper strips; production of test kit platforms and; a commercially ready product.