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Updated: Mar 6, 2026
Use of an Influenza Antigen Microarray to Measure the Breadth of Serum Antibodies Across Virus Subtypes
Published on: July 26, 2019
Exploring novel sero-epidemiological tools-Effect of different storage conditions on longitudinal stability of
Gudrun S Freidl1, Erwin de Bruin1, Maarten Schipper2
1Viroscience Department, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Virology Department, Centre for Infectious Diseases Research, Diagnostics and Screening, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721 MA Bilthoven, the Netherlands.
Abstract:
In this study we evaluated the long-term stability of a microarray-based serological screening platform, containing antigens of influenza A, measles and Streptococcus pneumoniae, as part of a preparedness research program aiming to develop assays for syndromic disease detection. Spotted microarray slides were kept at four different storage regimes with varying temperature and humidity conditions. We showed that under the standard storage condition in a temperature-controlled (21°C) and desiccated environment (0% relative humidity), microarray slides remained stable for at least 22 months without loss of antigen quality, whereas the other three conditions (37°C, desiccated; Room temperature, non-desiccated; Frozen, desiccated) produced acceptable results for some antigens (influenza A, S.pneumoniae), but not for others (measles). We conclude that these arrays for multiplex antibody testing can be prepared and stored for prolonged periods of time, which aids laboratory-preparedness and facilitates sero-epidemiological studies.
Insights
Microarray slides for detecting antibodies against influenza A, measles, and Streptococcus pneumoniae are stable for at least 22 months under standard storage conditions. This finding supports laboratory preparedness for syndromic disease detection and sero-epidemiological studies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Microarray-based serological screening platforms are crucial for disease detection.
- Assays for syndromic disease detection require stable and reliable reagents.
- Preparedness research necessitates understanding the long-term stability of diagnostic tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term stability of a microarray platform for serological screening.
- To determine optimal storage conditions for microarray slides containing influenza A, measles, and Streptococcus pneumoniae antigens.
- To assess the impact of different temperature and humidity conditions on antigen quality and assay performance.
Main Methods:
- Microarray slides with antigens for influenza A, measles, and Streptococcus pneumoniae were prepared.
- Slides were stored under four different conditions: 21°C/0% RH, 37°C/0% RH, Room Temperature/non-desiccated, and Frozen/0% RH.
- Antigen stability and quality were assessed over time under each storage condition.
Main Results:
- Microarray slides stored at 21°C and 0% relative humidity remained stable for at least 22 months.
- Storage at 37°C/desiccated, Room Temperature/non-desiccated, and Frozen/desiccated conditions resulted in acceptable results for some antigens (influenza A, S. pneumoniae) but not measles.
- Significant loss of antigen quality was observed under suboptimal storage conditions.
Conclusions:
- Microarray slides for multiplex antibody testing can be prepared and stored for extended periods under controlled conditions (21°C, 0% RH).
- This long-term stability is vital for enhancing laboratory preparedness.
- The findings facilitate the implementation of robust sero-epidemiological studies and syndromic disease detection assays.
