Luminex Unveils its Next Generation Bead-Based Multiplexing System
Luminex Corporation will unveil FlexMAP 3D™, its next generation bead-based multiplexing system, today at the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) Annual Meeting in San Diego.
FlexMAP 3D will be able to simultaneously measure up to 500 analytes in a single microplate well and provide scientists, researchers and clinicians with improved analytical performance and a streamlined workflow.
"As the worldwide leader in multiplexing solutions, our goal at Luminex is to develop innovative and effective products that meet a range of laboratories' needs," said Patrick J. Balthrop, president and chief executive officer of Luminex.
"The FlexMAP 3D system is an exciting addition to our product line. We designed FlexMAP 3D for clinical reference labs, pharmaceutical labs and academic core labs that are interested in enhanced workflow and higher multiplexing capabilities while maintaining the advantages of the xMAP® bead-based technology. This system features the same flexibility of our other instruments and provides increased speed, multiplexing, sensitivity and automation," Balthrop said.
The FlexMAP 3D system expands on the efficiencies provided by Luminex's current instruments. FlexMAP 3D will be able to test for up to 500 analytes simultaneously, an increase from the 100-plex capabilities of Luminex's current offerings. The higher multiplexing capabilities will enable users to broaden the types of testing performed using bead-based multiplexing.
In addition to increased multiplexing capabilities, the FlexMAP 3D will offer a high-throughput module and the ability to interface with liquid handlers for streamlined automation. Medium and high volume laboratories seeking more data per sample will benefit from the increased multiplexing capabilities.
The FlexMAP 3D system will also include digital technology, redesigned optics for improved assay performance, a dual syringe assembly to enhance throughput, an auto adjusting probe and software to enable automation, and the ability to use both 96 and 384 well plates.
The system is powered by xPONENT 3D™ software and features an intuitive touch screen interface as well as ergonomic design and a small footprint. These features will combine to deliver users higher throughput and a simplified and optimized workflow.
The company claims that its systems are flexible analyzers based on the principles of three-dimensional bead arrays. Due to the enhanced liquid kinetics of the microspheres in solution, these arrays offer uniformity and faster reaction times than standard two-dimensional planar arrays. The microsphere dyeing process also provides higher levels of multiplexing than traditional methods like ELISA or real-time PCR.
Luminex licenses its instruments and array-based assays to market companies in clinical diagnostics and biological research. Assays from Luminex and its partners deliver bioassay results in many assay formats including nucleic acid assays, receptor-ligand assays, immunoassays and enzymatic assays.
Currently in alpha testing, FlexMAP 3D is targeted to be commercially available in 2008.
