Revealing the Big Picture

Biomarker Analysis – More the Merrier

Ability to look at the whole picture instead of just a specific aspect makes a world of difference. This is especially true in the case of immunology where cell pathways and mechanisms are overlapping. As the understanding of inflammation, cell signaling, metabolism, cancer and other disciplines improve, looking at only a few analytes is not enough for researchers. The ever-growing list of biomarkers such as cytokines, chemokines, and other growth differentiation factors as well as their complex interactivity has made it crucial to assess them in relevant groups rather than individual presence. Their relative proportions are far more important than just mere presence. Just like in any gourmet recipe, it is important to have a delicate balance of flavors. If any one is more prominent it spoils the intended taste. In many cases, clinical research evidence based on a single analyte or biomarker may not lead to accurate diagnosis or treatment monitoring. On top of that, samples are often available in exceedingly small quantities sample. Hence, it is essential for scientists to be able to measure multiple analytes from a small single sample in each experiment. In addition, analyzing multiple biomarkers together in one go saves time and money while improving reproducibility of the assays.

Multiplex Immunoassays

Instead of measuring a single analyte, multiplex immunoassays can measure dozens of analytes at once. Broadly all multiplex assays are either spatially separated on a planar surface or bead based with identifying dyes. There are several options in the market which offer 20, 30 and up to 50-plex panels. However, there is one which stands out – the Invitrogen^TM Immune Monitoring 80-Plex Human ProcartaPlex™ Panel. It can analyze up to 80 protein targets in a single well. On top of it, you just need 25 µL for plasma or serum sample for this assay.

How does it work? ProcartaPlex™ uses Luminex^® xMAP^® technology. Each Luminex magnetic bead set is associated with a specific protein target. A special, unique dye is applied giving each bead set a unique signature. Think of it like a human fingerprint; no bead set is alike. Each of these unique bead sets is assigned to an analyte. Protein targets are detected with using a combination of antibody pair binding and fluorescent reporter molecule detection. Different targets bind to each unique bead set. Assays are pipetted, like an ELISA, and then analyzed in a Luminex instrument.

This enables scientists to extract a lot more information from a small amount of each sample as compared to other commonly available multiplexing methods. ProcartaPlex™ offers quadruple benefits over traditional methods. It provides more information in shorter time period using less amount of sample while reducing cost per unit.

Customizing Your Panel

The Mix & Match panel option provides even more flexibility and convenience by allowing researchers to further customize panels with fewer restrictions. One online option is the ProcartaPlex Panel Configurator, which offers numerous made-to-order assays. Simply select a species, assay format, and up to 80 targets, and the configuration tool will build a custom assay according to your specifications. Scientists can choose from human, mouse, rat, porcine, canine, and non-human primate samples.

More than 90 percent of ProcartaPlex assays can be combined. Additionally, customization helps eliminate the need to buy a Luminex instrument, further saving costs, since one Luminex instrument, the MAGPIX^®, can only detect up to 50-plex panels. Via assay customization, we offer a solution to run our Immune Monitoring 80-Plex Human ProcartaPlex Panel on a MAGPIX. Custom assays enable researchers to focus on what matters most – making the next big discovery.

Learn more about the product in this blog: Invitrogen^TM Immune Monitoring 80-Plex Human ProcartaPlex™ Panel

References

Resources and Solutions for ProcartaPlex Immunoassay

ProcartaPlex Panel Configurator – this online tool helps you design an effective protein panel for your specific application
ProcartaPlex Handbook – What would the ability to simultaneously quantitate as many as 80 cytokines or other soluble biomarkers from a single 25 μL sample do for your research?
ProcartaPlex Assays Support – Explore the “Getting Started” and “Troubleshooting” sections for solutions to top inquiries and common problems.

Luminex, xMAP, MAGPIX are registered trademarks of Luminex Corporation.

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures