Magnetic bead-based electrochemical surrogate virus neutralization test for quantification of antibody neutralizing efficiency

Rapid and inexpensive quantification of antibody neutralizing efficiency is currently limited due to the use of live virus and strict biosafety level requirements necessary to perform a plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT), severely restricting efficient evaluation of vaccine efficacy, establishment of correlates of protection, and determination of individual immune status for many viral diseases. Based on the surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT), we demonstrate a magnetic bead-based electrochemical sVNT (esVNT) for sensitive quantification of SARS-CoV-2 antibody neutralization efficiency in under 15 min using a portable potentiostat. By utilizing magnetic beads as a solid phase for the capture probe and chronoamperometric detection, we show increased capture efficiency of reagents, minimal washing steps, and rapid signal generation without sacrificing sensitivity. The esVNT yields accurate quantification of neutralization efficiency for both monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, even in the presence of potential interferents, as verified by comparison to sVNT. Spiked control serum and serum samples from a biorepository were evaluated, showing minimal matrix effects and the expected neutralization efficiency trends versus disease severity for esVNT compared to PRNT. Trends in PRNT and esVNT responses resulting from clonality, affinity, and neutralization mechanisms are also examined.