New Magnetic Bead Format Improves Automation Compatibility of Multiplex Assays 2/8/10
Millipore Corporation a leading provider of technologies, tools, and services for the global life science industry, announced the introduction of a new suite of multiplex assays that use magnetic beads for more consistent results and automation compatibility. Designed for use with Luminex® xMAP®technology, these new MILLIPLEX® MAG kits complement Millipore’s broad selection of non-magnetic multiplex assays and enable researchers to choose the format they prefer.
MILLIPLEX MAG kits include microspheres embedded with superparamagnetic particles. Once bound to the protein of interest, the microspheres can be magnetically separated. This makes sample preparation easier and eliminates the risk of sample loss, clogs, or leaks. The new kits also reduce non-specific binding, which results in lower, more consistent coefficients of variation (CVs).
“Magnetic bead technology is making multiplex assays more efficient than ever,” said Cindy Fry, MILLIPLEX product manager. “Over time, it is expected that magnetic microspheres will replace polystyrene for Luminex-based assays. By offering a choice of formats for our most popular assays, we are giving our customers time to transition to the new format.”
Both the magnetic and non-magnetic MILLIPLEX kits use the same protocols and components (except for the beads), so researchers do not need to re-optimize their methods when switching from one format to another.
To date, seven MILLIPLEX MAG kits have been released, including kits for cytokine and chemokine research and metabolic disease research. A significant portion of the existing MILLIPLEX line will be available in both magnetic and non-magnetic formats by the end of 2010.
Multiplexing allows quick, accurate analysis of multiple proteins simultaneously. It is especially useful for analysis of complex events such as protein-protein interactions, cell signaling pathways, and metabolic processes....
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