The custom-built, high-intensity flow-through photochemical reactor is being integrated into the university’s wider coronavirus and other research efforts, as it can be used to inactivate many types of viruses and pathogens.
Dr. Gregg Dean is the head of the department of microbiology, immunology and pathology at the university. “We had been working on a coronavirus vaccine for cats prior to the pandemic, and so, we were already thinking about coronavirus vaccines and were able to pivot pretty quickly,” Dr. Dean said.
The vaccine candidate helped minimize changes in tissues in the lungs caused by SARS-CoV-2.
Researchers aim to create a vaccine candidate that would protect people from a spectrum of coronaviruses.
Dr. John Eisenach was inspired by a mentor to create the Colorado COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Project Consortium.
Colorado State University’s spending on research activities reached a record $407 million for fiscal year 2020, a 2% increase over last year.
Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Colorado State University has received more than $16 million in funding for COVID-19 research projects.
Researchers at CSU have worked quickly and collaboratively to move this vaccine research forward.
Sen. Cory Gardner was on campus to learn about CSU's work in testing, senior care facility surveillance and vaccine development.
A team of CSU researchers has entered into an agreement with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority to further develop a novel process that has the potential to inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus.