BioTek cytokines ELx405 washer application note

Cytokines and growth factors are cell signalling proteins that mediate a number of physiological responses. In addition, they are also associated with a number of diseases including tumour growth and metastasis, infections and inflammation. Because these molecules rarely act unilaterally it is important to assess a number of them in parallel. The advent of multiplex assays using Luminex xMAP bead technology has simplified the task of performing multiple assays on samples. BioTek has demonstrated how to automate the wash steps of the Bio-Rad HumanCytokine 8-plex assay kit using the ELx405 Magnetic Bead Washer.

The key issues associated with magnetic bead washers are the several parameters needed for optimisation in order to achieve optimum results. Also, correct positioning of the aspiration tubes is critical for good bead recovery. The design of the BioTek ELx405 magnetic bead washers allows for good bead recovery and simplifying complicated tasks with the ability to adjust the aspiration and dispense tubes in three different axes of movement.

For the full application note, Multiplexing Magnetic Bead-based Human Cytokine Assays Automated Magnetic Bead Washing Using the ELx405, click on link.