Fluid Biomarkers Facility

SIngle MOlecular Array (SIMOA®) is a sensitive digital immunoassay platform for measurement of fluid biomarkers at ultra-low levels. This technology based on paramagnetic beads coupled to antibodies allows detection of biomarkers with 1000x greater sensitivity than traditional immunoassays, ranging femtomolar levels. 

The Simoa HD-X Analyzer™ is the latest model of the fully automated Simoa® bead-based immunoassay platform. This model offers high processing power with minimal sample volumes and the possibility of multiplex measurement of up to six different biomarkers in a sample using a single assay without sacrificing sensitivity or precision. 

The Simoa HD-X Analyzer™ is compatible with all Simoa® bead-based validated assay kits (Simoa HD-X assay kits) or with homebrew developed kits for the analysis of biomarkers in plasma, serum, CSF and cell lysates. The Simoa® algorithm, a proprietary technology, employs both digital and analogue measurements at varying concentrations, offering a remarkable dynamic range of over four logs. 

Some of the available biomarkers include: amyloid proteins (Aβ40 and Aβ42), Neurofilament light chain (Nf-L), Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and phosphorylated forms of Tau protein (pTau181, pTau231 and pTau217).

Bead-based Simoa Technology video

The Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) technology is an ELISA technology based on electrochemiluminescence (ECL) used for measurement of single or multiple proteins in a single biological sample.

The MSD technology uses the SULFO-TAG label to generate an ELC signal triggered by an electric current. This enhances the chemiluminescent signal of the assay while reducing background noise, enabling protein quantification with improved sensitivity, specificity and high dynamic range.

The MESO QuickPlex SQ 120MM is the MSD’s most versatile instrument that allows rapid read times (90 seconds per plate) using low sample volume and compatible with a broad range of MSD assays. 

MSD’s assay portfolio includes a comprehensive range of assays for the analysis of diverse sample matrices from a variety of animal species in a wide range of research applications. These include neurodegeneration, cytokines, immunology/inflammation, cardiac injury, oncology, and many more, presented in single and multiplex designs for the analysis of up to 10 different proteins in the same sample (MSD assay kits catalogue). In addition, the MSD technology can be adapted for the new assay development or customization of multiplex panels.

The Lumipulse G1200 is a diagnostic platform developed by Fujirebio. It is a fully automated instrument for immunoassay protein quantification based on chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA). 

This technology offers enhanced sensitivity for the measurement of various biomarkers in blood and CSF samples, thanks to the use of ferromagnetic beads coupled to the capture antibody. This allows for an efficient separation of the target molecules, which are then detected by an enzyme-linked secondary antibody that, in contact with a chemiluminescent substrate, catalyzes a reaction that produces light.

The Lumipulse G1200 is compatible with currently available assay Fujirebio catalog composed of proven quality markers that covers fields like oncology, syphilis, thyroid, fertility, diabetes and bone (Fujirebio catalogue). 

The Simoa Planar Array technology is an immunodetection platform developed for the multiplex detection of protein biomarkers at very low concentrations.

This platform employs high-density capture antibody printing technology and a circular spot design, which enables it to achieve high detection sensitivity. The quantification is achieved through chemiluminescence detection using a high-resolution camera from the bottom of the plate. The combination of two images captured at different exposure times with the Simoa developed analysis algorithm for optimal signal collection allows for an improved background signal reduction and an enhanced sensitivity.

There are a broad range of available developed assays in different therapeutic areas but with a special focus on immunology and onco-immunology (Simoa SP-X assays). This planar technology is also open for the custom ultra-sensitive assay development.

We offer full ELISA testing using both commercially available and customised assay kits in different biofluid samples. We have implemented a validation protocol for immunoassays that ensures the quality of the ELISA test employed for the analysis of the target protein biomarker in different biological matrices. Furthermore, we support the development of new immunodetection assays according to our standard operating procedures. For this purpose, we are equipped with:

Basic technology for regular colorimetric ELISA:

• Microplate Absorbance Reader (Tecan Sunrise)
• Microplate Washer (Tecan Hydrospeed)

Our catalogue of validated assays includes:

• Human PDGFRβ (platelet-derived grow factor receptor beta): validated for analysis of plasma and CSF.
• Human LCN-2  (lipocalin 2 / N-GAL): validated for analysis of plasma and CSF.
• Human YKL-40 (human cartilage glycoprotein or GP-39): validated for analysis of plasma and CSF.

Basic equipment for western blotting (Bio-Rad):

• Electrophoresis gel casting system
• Electrophoresis tank
• Blotting transfer system 
• Electrophoresis power supply
• Imaging system