A Luminex assay is a type of immunoassay that precisely measures multiple analytes in one sample. The Luminex® xMAP® technology is a bead-based immunoassay that allows for multiplex detection of up to 100 analytes simultaneously. Color-coded microspheres, or beads, are internally dyed with different proportions of red and infrared fluorophores that correspond to a distinct spectral signature, or bead region. The quantification of multiple cytokines and other biomarkers in a sample provides critical information about biological processes and diseases.
Antibodies specific to a desired analyte are coupled to a unique bead region and are incubated with sample. After washing away unbound materials, samples are incubated with a mixture of biotinylated detection antibodies and a streptavidin-phycoerythrin (PE) reporter. Using a Luminex instrument, beads are excited by one laser to determine the bead region and corresponding assigned analyte. Another laser determines the magnitude of the PE-derived signal, which is proportional to the amount of analyte bound. Multiple readings are taken at each bead region, ensuring robust detection.
Luminex Assay Principle
Luminex® assays use a set of fluorescent beads where each bead falls in a unique spot on the fluorescent spectrum. The beads are coated with capture antibody targeted to the analyte of interest. See full Luminex Assay Principle.
Benefits of Luminex Multiplex Assays
Small Sample Volume - Conserves sample by measuring multiple analytes in a single well with less than 25 uL of sample.
Save Time and Money. Save resources when compared to running multiple single-analyte ELISAs.
Flexibility – Build panels to fit your research needs.
Low Variability - Minimizes experimental variability with multiple data points derived from a single experiment.
Benefits of R&D Systems Luminex Assays
Selection - Flexibility of panels and formats available.
Experience - High Performance Luminex Assays are correlated to the gold standard Quantikine ELISA.
Availability - Fast delivery times.
Superior Quality Control - Assays undergo multiple quality control steps during production ensuring long-term reproducibility and consistency.
Specific - Assays for each target analyte are screened against all target analytes to confirm low antibody cross-reactivity.
Validation - High performance panels are extensively validated for optimal performance.
Versatile - Antibody pairs are tested to confirm parallel detection of natural and recombinant proteins.
Custom Services – Expert custom team available to help meet your unique needs.