Immunoassays have been detecting and quantifying analytes for almost 50 years. They are known for the sensitive and precise analysis of samples in clinical and life science research. Traditional ELISA assays detect a single analyte per well. On the other hand, newer multiplex assays such as bead-based Luminex assays and electrochemiluminescence assays have changed the way bioanalysis is performed today. Multiplexing capabilities generate an extensive wealth of data from small volumes of samples, providing clinicians with crucial data for assessing disease progression. Due to enhanced multiplexing capabilities, bead-based assays are increasingly being used in clinical and nonclinical studies. Hence, in this current article, we present you with three advantages of using bead-based assays for your bioanalysis.
Consolidating assays for rapid analysis
Bead-based assays such as Luminex multiplex assays can combine individual assays in the bioanalysis of study samples. For instance, Luminex assays are crucial in immunogenicity testing. Assessing immunogenicity is necessary during the new drug development process. A solid immune response during the development of vaccines demonstrates the efficacy of a vaccine candidate. However, immunogenicity response during drug development is an indicator of anti-drug antibody reactions. Anti-drug antibody reactions are associated with adverse effects and limit a drug’s efficacy.
Traditional immunogenicity testing has a tiered approach. Such a tiered strategy requires several steps to detect and quantify anti-drug antibody titer, antibody isotypes, and drug neutralizing capacity. This strategy is a very lengthy and expensive process. Moreover, frequent sample handling and repeated freeze and thaw cycles increase the chance of contamination. In addition, many biological fluids such as CSF are available in limited volumes. Here, Luminex multiplex assays can couple individual immunogenicity tests and overcome all possible obstacles associated with individual bioassays.
Enhanced detection using Luminex cytokine assays
As discussed in the introduction , multiplex assays can be bead-based assays and electrochemiluminescence (ECL) assays. Each assay type has its advantages. A study conducted by researchers from the University of Tubingen, Germany, assessed the performance of bead-based assays and ECL in cytokine analysis.
Both assay types provided robust assay reproducibility and dynamic range. However, they had some vital differences in results. The xMAP technology employed in Luminex cytokine systems detected more cytokines than ECL assays. Although QC and standard samples suggested ECL to be more sensitive in cytokine detection, ECL could not transfer the same sensitivity in actual human plasma samples. The study showed Luminex analysis to be more effective in actual human samples.
Luminex assays reduce hands-on-time
In the similar study mentioned above, the researchers evaluated both assays for dynamic range, detection rate, quantification limits, and hands-on time, and found that bead-based assays reduced more than one-third hands-on time compared to ECL assays. Bead-based assays also provide enhanced multiplexing capabilities. Luminex multiplex assays can assess up to 500 analytes in a single well. When compared to 10 analytes per well of ECL assays and availability of custom Luminex assays, bead-based assays provide an enormous magnitude of multiplexing capacity. The potential for reducing hands-on time and study samples is particularly crucial with rare, limited, or expensive samples. Hence, bead-based assays are promising options for increasing the performance of bioanalytical experiments.
