Protein Array / Multiplex Assay
Protein arrays are miniaturized assays for detection of many proteins in parallel. They use proteins or antibodies immobilized on surfaces such as glass slides or beads. A single target protein is detected either by localization of a signal at a specific point in the array or by differences in the specific beads, which can be individually coded e.g. by color or fluorescence. The major advantage of this technique is that many analytes can be detected at the same time from one sample. But cross-talk between the multiplexed assays has to be avoided to enable sufficient reliability of results.
Multiplex applications are partially performed as bead-based assays. Different beads are coated with capture antibodies for different analytes. These beads are mixed with the sample for detecting several analytes in parallel. Multiplex assays are very susceptible to interferences and cross-reactivities. Due to the fact that several assay antibodies are measured simultaneously, it is necessary to avoid cross-reactivities e.g. by using LowCross-Buffer® as sample diluent.
Luminex Assays are often carried out with LowCross-Buffer®.
Following products can be used for Protein Arrays and Multiplex Assays: