Naked-Eye Readable Microarray for Rapid Profiling of Antibodies against Multiple SARS-CoV-2 Variants

Novel high-throughput protein detection technologies are critically needed for population-based large-scale SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection as well as for monitoring quality and duration of immunity against virus variants. Current protein microarray techniques rely heavily on labeled transduction methods that require sophisticated instruments and complex operations, limiting their clinical potential, particularly for point-of-care (POC) applications. Here, we developed a label-free and naked-eye readable microarray (NRM) based on a thickness-sensing plasmon ruler, enabling antibody profiling within 30 min. The NRM chips provide 100% accuracy for neutralizing antibody detection by efficiently screening antigen types and experimental conditions and allow for the profiling of antibodies against multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants in clinical samples. We further established a flexible barcode NRM assay with a simple tape-based operation, enabling an effective smartphone-based readout and analysis. These results demonstrate new strategies for high-throughput protein detection and highlight the potential of novel protein microarray techniques for realistic clinical applications.

Automated summary

This study developed a novel label-free and naked-eye readable microarray technique for quick antibody analysis. The technique is fast, accurate, and flexible, allowing for large-scale SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection and analysis of antibodies against multiple virus variants.