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New multiplexing detection kits for Cytokines & Chemokines

Merck
7 Sept 2008

Product news

Guava Technologies, Inc. has announced that it is in the final stages of development of a series of new bead-based multiplex detection kits for cytokines and chemokines. The development effort is intended to meet the needs of drug discovery researchers focusing on the areas of immunology, inflammation, and oncology. The kits, which will be available within the next several months, will save researchers time and money, improving laboratory productivity and efficiency.

Currently, researchers tend to use Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assays (ELISAs) to analyse secreted proteins such as cytokines and chemokines. ELISAs, though, are solid-phase assays and can only measure levels of one protein at a time. The new bead-based assays from Guava Technologies will be solution-based, enabling simultaneous quantitative measurement of up to 20 different proteins.

The new bead-based multiplexed assays will give pharma and biotech researchers a direct comparative measurement of multiple protein expression patterns without the need for extrapolation among results from independent assays. This new powerful capability will allow researchers to obtain an overall picture of the way a particular stimulus, such as a new drug candidate, affects multiple proteins simultaneously. Consequently a more accurate prediction of the overall physiological effects of the stimulus, such as the response to a drug candidate, is achievable. In addition, the new multiplexed assays will also help researchers identify differences in proteins or protein levels between healthy and disease states, providing insight into disease cause and progression.

Based on innovative fluorescence technology, the new bead-based kits from Guava Technologies offer higher sensitivity and a greater linear range of detection than assays that employ enzymatic (e.g., ELISAs) or colorimetric (e.g., Western Blots) readouts. The first bead-based kits to hit the market will target cytokines and chemokines. They will be sold as individual kits, each targeting a specific protein, but will be interchangeable so researchers can combine kits in a mix-and-match fashion to analyse up to 20 proteins simultaneously in a single multiplexed assay. In addition, Guava Technologies will offer several pre-packaged multiplex kits targeting groups of proteins commonly studied by researchers working in inflammation, immunology, and oncology. The kits will be compatible with Guava® Flow Cytometers, such as the Guava EasyCyte™ Plus System, running Guava® Simplicity Software, which, like the detection kits, is in the final development stage and will be available within several months.

The new detection kits will be for research use only, not for use in diagnostic procedures.

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Western BlottingWestern blotting equipment is used to transfer and identify specific proteins within a sample, reveal protein modifications, as well as give a semi-quantitative estimation of their concentration. Western blotting equipment includes all apparatus necessary to transfer proteins from gel to membrane and subsequent processing steps. Protein transfer can be performed by electroblotting with wet, semi-dry and dry transfer systems onto nitrocellulose and PVDF membranes. Blocking, washing and labeling of membranes follows, involving buffers, blocking reagents, blotting / incubation trays, labeling reagents, immunoblotting assays, antibodies and conjugates. Automated equipment for these steps is available to accelerate your lab workflow. Finally, detection and imaging of proteins can be conducted using gel documentation and imaging systems. Find the best western blotting equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.ELISAEnzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), also known as enzyme immunoassays (EIA), are used for the detection and quantification of proteins, peptides and antibodies in a sample. ELISA often comes in kit format, with pre-selected antibody pairs to detect specific proteins or biomarkers of diseases such as diabetes and obesity, or cardiovascular and neurological disorders. Detection is made possible with chemiluminescent, fluorescent or colorimetric substrates and detection instruments such as microplate / ELISA readers. Other kits available include: Enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assays for the quantification of protein-producing cells and chemiluminescent immunoassays (CLIA) kits. Find the best ELISA kits and products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Flow Cytometry / Cell CountingFlow cytometers are used to count, sort and examine multiple characteristics of cells. Other cell analysis equipment includes image cytometers, cell counters, fluorescence-activated cell sorters (FACS), magnetic-activated cell sorters (MACS), and a range of flow cytometry assay kits. Flow cytometers can reveal information on cell viability, cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle progression, as well as identify cell populations and intracellular or cell-surface molecules. Additionally, some flow cytometers, known as FACS, have an additional sorting function after analysis. Cell counters and image cytometers count live and dead cell populations and can also conduct cell proliferation assays. Find the best flow cytometers, cell counters and cell sorters in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Cell-Based AssaysCell-based assays are used to monitor the presence, quantity and activities of a desired cellular analyte including drug molecules or biomarkers. This can reveal information on cell health (apoptosis, cytotoxicity, viability and proliferation assays), cell metabolism, cell migration and cell signaling mechanisms. Find the best cell-based assay products, kits and equipment with our peer reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receiving pricing direct from manufacturers.High-Content ScreeningHigh-content screening (HCS), also known as high-content analysis (HCA), is a high-throughput technique used in drug discovery to identify substances that alter the phenotype of cells. HCS uses fluorescent microscopic imaging and automated image analysis to investigate cellular events such as apoptosis, cell viability, GPCR activation, oxide production, neurite outgrowth, and cell signaling. Find the best fluorescent labeling reagents, cellular assays, and high-content imaging systems in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.

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