eBook: Multiplex Technology Guide - 4

Why Multiplex?
Find out in this in-depth review of currently available
multiplexing technologies.
Emma Easthope
The advantages of multiplexing are well known,
and it has become common practice for researchers to analyze many different target analytes in
parallel. But with such a broad range of multiplexing technologies available, why should you consider using them and what should you be looking
for when deciding on a platform that meets your
needs? Here, we highlight some of the different
multiplexing technologies available before taking
a closer look at xMAP® INTELLIFLEX, a new platform
from Luminex enables measurement of two reporter signals on a single bead.

but it also provides a more complete picture of the
sample that is under investigation. Additionally, with
most multiplexing workflows designed to be automation-compatible, researchers can now achieve
unprecedented levels of productivity.

Multiplex immunoassays comprise
various formats
Multiplex immunoassays can broadly be categorized
according to how the antibody reagents are used
to capture and detect target analytes. Platforms
where the antibodies are spatially separated on a
solid surface include Meso Scale Discovery's MULTISPOT® array technology and the Ella™ system from
ProteinSimple®, whereas Quanterix's Simoa® platform and Luminex's xMAP® Technology both employ
a bead-based approach. Olink instead uses antibodies that have been labeled with DNA oligonucleotides to bind target analytes in solution.

Multiplexing provides
many advantages
Ask any researcher why they choose to multiplex,
and you'll likely receive the same response: lower
sample volume requirements, more results per sample, greater throughput, and lower cost per data
point compared to traditional singleplex assays such
as ELISA. However, another important benefit of
multiplexing is that it improves data consistency by
enabling many different target analytes to be investigated simultaneously within the same reaction well.
This not only eliminates confounding variables like
different buffer systems, time points, or operators,

MULTI-SPOT® array technology from
Meso Scale Discovery
Meso Scale Discovery's multi-array technology is
similar to an ELISA but provides greater sensitivity
and a broader dynamic range. Using 96- and 384-well
plates where up to 10 different capture antibodies

eBook: Multiplex Technology Guide

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