Preclinical and Clinical Bacterial Vaccine Testing Services
Bacterial Vaccine Testing and Evaluation Services
Bacterial vaccines play a critical role in safeguarding global health, especially as antimicrobial resistance continues to rise and threaten the effectiveness of current treatments. Microbiologics provides comprehensive bacterial vaccine testing and evaluation services to support both preclinical and clinical research programs. Our team offers flexible, custom assay development for OPK, SBA, and ELISA platforms, delivering high-quality data to measure immune responses and antibody function.
Functional OPK, SBA, and ELISA Assays for Bacterial Vaccine Antibody Testing
With our deep expertise and consultative approach, we partner with researchers to generate reliable immunogenicity testing results that advance innovation and accelerate vaccine development timelines.
In addition to vaccine antibody testing, we also provide a wide range of antibacterial and antifungal testing services to support compound screening, susceptibility studies, and mechanism of action research.
Opsonophagocytosis (OPK) Assay
The OPK assay assesses how effectively antibodies work with the body’s own defense system to eliminate bacteria. In this test, antibodies bind to and opsonize the surface of a bacterial target. Host immune cells, supported by complement proteins, then recognize and engulf the opsonized bacteria, leading to destruction. This approach is widely used to measure the functional, infection-clearing potential of vaccine-induced antibodies.
How we help
We co-design fit-for-purpose OPK protocols by selecting relevant serotypes, complement sources, and effector cells that mirror your target indication and generate decision-ready correlates of protection. Our standardized workflows and reference controls improve comparability across studies, helping de-risk candidate selection and speed up go/no-go milestones.
Opsonophagocytosis (OPK) Assay
Serum Bactericidal Activity (SBA) Assay
The SBA assay measures the ability of antibodies to kill bacteria directly in the presence of complement proteins, without relying on host immune cells. By activating the complement pathway, a sequence of immune events is triggered that disrupts and ultimately lyses bacterial cells. SBA testing provides a rapid and high-throughput way to evaluate whether antibodies generated by a vaccine can mount an effective antibacterial defense.
How we help
We design SBA assay panels tailored to your target bacterial species and strain, with optimized complement lots and titering strategies. Formats are available in both 96 and 384-well plates to deliver robust, reproducible killing curves at scale. By partnering early, our scientists align assay acceptance criteria and qualification plans with your regulatory path so data flows cleanly from discovery into development.
Serum Bactericidal Activity (SBA) Assay
ELISA Antibody Titers
Quantitative measurement of antigen-specific antibody concentrations in serum samples using ELISA. This technique enables the precise evaluation of immune responses by detecting and quantifying antibodies directed against specific antigens.
How we help
We customize ELISAs for your antigen format such as conjugates, purified proteins, or polysaccharides, and for your desired readouts such as IgG, IgA, IgM, or avidity. We establish calibrated standard curves to bridge binding titers with functional OPK and SBA results. This integrated approach provides a coherent immunogenicity story that supports candidate ranking and lot-to-lot comparability.
ELISA Antibody Titers
Pilot Study Collaboration Opportunities
We welcome opportunities to collaborate with research teams on pilot studies. If you are exploring new bacterial vaccine candidates and would like to evaluate functional assays in partnership with our scientists, reach out to discuss how we can support your program.
Ready to Advance Your Bacterial Vaccine Program?
At Microbiologics, we know every vaccine program comes with unique challenges. That is why our scientists collaborate with you from assay design through data interpretation, ensuring results that are reliable, regulatory ready, and decision focused. Whether you need OPK, SBA, or ELISA support or a customized study design, we are here to provide the expertise and partnership that move your research forward.
Let's talk about your program.
Connect with our team today to discuss your goals and explore how our bacterial vaccine testing services can support your next milestone.