Multiplex Magnetic Biosensor Microarrays Facilitate Personalized Vaccination Schedules for SARS-CoV-2 Variants

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Immunology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Accurate assessment of vaccine-induced immunity is crucial for managing viral threats like SARS-CoV-2.
• Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and potential novel viruses necessitate advanced diagnostic tools for personalized immunity monitoring.
• Current methods for antibody detection can be time-consuming or lack multiplexing capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate giant magnetoresistive (GMR) biosensor microarrays for quantitative, multiplexed antibody detection against SARS-CoV-2 variants.
• To assess the sensitivity, specificity, and clinical applicability of GMR biosensor microarrays using clinical samples.
• To demonstrate the utility of GMR biosensors in monitoring immune responses to vaccination, including variant-specific antibody levels.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of multiplexed GMR biosensor microarrays.
• Quantitative detection of antibodies against various SARS-CoV-2 variants in serum samples.
• Comparison of GMR biosensor performance with traditional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
• Analysis of antibody responses following Omicron-based booster vaccination.

Main Results:

• GMR biosensor microarrays achieved high sensitivity comparable to single-plex ELISA.
• Multiplexed detection of variant-specific antibodies was successfully performed using small blood volumes (finger pricks).
• The biosensors demonstrated compatibility with clinical serum samples.
• A significant increase in Omicron-specific antibodies was observed two weeks post-booster vaccination.

Conclusions:

• GMR biosensor microarrays provide a sensitive and practical platform for multiplexed antibody detection.
• This technology enables effective monitoring of humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2 variants.
• GMR biosensors can serve as a point-of-care tool to guide personalized vaccination strategies and manage immunity against current and future viral threats.