Biomarker Analysis Unit

Introduction

The Biomarker Analysis Platform, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, is primarily designed to detect and quantify biomarkers in various types of samples, including both human and animal model samples (serum, plasma, urine, tissue extracts, blood, tears, saliva, extracellular vesicles, etc.).

The potential utility of biomarker assays using SIMOA technology extends to a wide variety of scientific and technological fields: neurology, oncology, cardiology, inflammation, and infectious diseases.

One of the main applications of biomarker identification is in the field of neurology: research on neurofilaments, which is relevant to conditions such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease, and the search for biomarkers in biological fluids for the diagnosis and prognosis of cognitive decline associated with various conditions. It also has applications in the field of oncology, where SIMOA technology is being used to diagnose cancer through assays that detect tumor-derived extracellular vesicles.

The unit’s staff has experience in operating the equipment, processing different types of samples, and analyzing and evaluating results.

These services are available to staff from both the INCLIVA Foundation itself and other institutions, both public and private.

Services

The SIMOA system offers a portfolio of more than 80 assays. In addition, it offers the option of developing a custom assay.

The SIMOA HD-X system and biomarker analysis can be applied to various biological samples using the following assays:

• Single-plex assays (SIMOA BEAD-BASED ADVANTAGE ASSAYS)
• Multiplex assays (SIMOA MULTIPLEX BEAD-BASED ADVANTAGE ASSAYS)

Equipment

The SIMOA HD-X Analyzer is an ultra-sensitive platform based on Single Molecule Array® technology that enables the detection of biomarkers with a sensitivity in the femtogram per milliliter (fg/ml) range, which is greater than that of conventional ELISA kits. The SIMOA HD-X is fully automated and offers the following advantages:

• High sensitivity—1,000 times greater than that offered by current immunoassays. This improvement opens up new avenues of research, as it allows for the measurement of previously undetectable markers.
• Precision: the results obtained have a CV <10%.
• Automation, which reduces assay time and variability resulting from manual operation.
• Flexibility, as it is possible to design custom antibody assays for specific analytes.
• Simultaneity, as the multiplex option can be used to measure up to 6 analytes in a single sample.

The SIMOA HD-X Analyzer was purchased with ERDF funding managed by the Regional Ministry of Health as part of the Strategy for Early Diagnosis and Prevention of Cognitive and Functional Decline.

References of interest

• Wilson DH, Rissin DM, Kan CW, Fournier DR, Piech T, Campbell TG, et al. The Simoa HD-1 Analyzer: A Novel Fully Automated Digital Immunoassay Analyzer with Single-Molecule Sensitivity and Multiplexing. J Lab Autom. 2016; 21(4):533-47.
• Rissin DM, Kan CW, Campbell TG, Howes SC, Fournier DR, Song L, et al. Single-molecule enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay detects serum proteins at subfemtomolar concentrations. Nature Biotechnology. 2010;28(6):595-9.