The Meso scale discovery assay provides absolute quantitation of analytes by employing multiplex capacities based on electrochemiluminescence detection. Conventional ELISA assays are widely used to quantify different proteins and cytokines in biological samples. However, ELISA can be challenging while evaluating multiple analytes. The MSD ELISA technology offers a broader dynamic range and higher sensitivity than traditional ELISA assays. MSD technology is highly flexible and offers singleplex and multiplex formats, saving time and precious biological samples.
Multiplex assay services
MSD assays combine electrochemiluminescence detection with multi-array technology to detect multiple analytes in a single reaction volume. Most MSD assays are in sandwich-based format, consisting of multi-spot microplates, where researchers can individually spot them using unique capture antibodies. After incubating with the study sample, analyte binding is detected through conjugated antibodies. These sulpho-tags emit light when electricity is supplied to the plate. The intensity of the light generated correlates to the analyte concentration in the sample.
MSD assay formats such as MSD cytokine assays are performed using multi-spot microplates available in 96-well format. These wells can multiplex up to 10 analytes, making MSD assays a robust tool for multiplex biomarker analysis. MSD offers comprehensive service to select prevalidated custom biomarker assays. They have over 20 years of experience designing and delivering high-quality multiplex immunoassays. MSD can efficiently accelerate biomarker programs from the early stage to the production of a validated assay. Using MSD multiplex services, researchers can screen a wide range of biomarkers and then translate relevant biomarkers to focus panels and get them validated.
MSD assays are available in more than 500 different options through prevalidated assays, reagent kits, and custom panels. MSD biomarker panels are focused on identifying biomarkers associated with immunology, inflammation, neurodegeneration, intracellular signaling, metabolism, and oncology. Besides, MSD assays are compatible with different species and complex biological matrices such as serum, plasma, urine, CSF, blood spots, synovial fluid, tissue extracts, supernatants, etc.
Different types of MSD immunoassay format
MSD often comes in 4 standard formats: V-plex, U-plex, R-plex, and S-plex.
V-plex assays provide reproducibility, consistency, reliability, and performance. This format is fully validated in different biological matrices following the fit-for-purpose principles. Dedicated assay panels are available as separate assays. Multiplex variants are also designed for consistent and optimal performance. Besides, they offer a lot-to-lot consistency for supporting long-term studies.
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U-Plex format is a fully flexible approach to custom design singleplex or multiplex MSD assays. This format couples biotinylated capture antibodies with U-plex linkers, which are then attached to specific spots in the microplate. Besides antibodies, even the linkers can accommodate different capture reagents, such as peptides or proteins, to deliver a unique and customized assay for each project.
R-plex MSD assays also deliver multiplex and singleplex immunoassay formats. Each R-plex assay contains an electrochemiluminescence labeled detection antibody, a biotinylated capture antibody, and a recombinant protein standard.
Finally
The S-plex format is ideal for detecting low levels of analytes in the sample. This format can detect biomarkers at low femtogram levels.
