Binding measurements as surrogate biological assays: surface plasmon resonance biosensors for characterizing vaccine...

There is considerable interest in the possibility of using surrogate physico-chemical assays for the quality control of vaccine components. Since biological activity always depends on a first binding step, the primary criterion for assessing biological activity is the ability of a vaccine component to bind specifically in a binding assay. Biosensor instruments that measure binding kinetics with considerable ease and precision are used increasingly to assess the quality of antigens intended for vaccination as well as the binding affinity of antibodies elicited by vaccination. The most widely used biosensor instrument is the BIACORE and its mode of operation is briefly described. The use of biosensors for measuring the active concentration of biomolecules and for assessing the probable effectiveness of vaccine-induced antibodies is described.