- Physical Sciences
Aitor Palomino (aitor.palomino@achucarro.org)
Please contact our staff
The Platform for Biomarkers offers three complementary immunoassay technologies to enable highly sensitive, multiplexed and robust detection of protein biomarkers across a wide dynamic range:
- Single Molecule Array (SIMOA – Quanterix HD-X)
- Multiplex ultrasensitive immunoassays (Luminex® xMAP® / Intelliflex)
- Standard high-quality ELISA assays
Each technology provides unique analytical capabilities, allowing users to tailor detection strategies according to the required sensitivity, sample volume, dynamic range, and number of analytes.
1. SINGLE MOLECULE ARRAY (SIMOA) – Ultra sensitive digital immunoassays
Our Quanterix SIMOA HD-X analyzer is a fully automated platform based on Single Molecule Array (SIMOA) technology, a digital version of ELISA. Individual immunocomplexes formed on paramagnetic beads are isolated and sealed in thousands of femtoliter-sized microwells on SIMOA discs, enabling digital counting of single protein molecules.
This digital detection format provides up to 1000-fold higher sensitivity than conventional immunoassays, enabling precise quantification of extremely low-abundance protein biomarkers and supporting precision medicine applications.
Main technical specifications
- Throughput of 3 plates every 8 hour shift. About 300 data points per day.
- Workflow, batch (plates or tubes)
- Total assay time is less than 2.5 hours per 96-well plate
- Hands-on time, startup time <20 minutes
- Sample input, 96-well plate and tubes
- Sample volume, 1 µl * - 100 µl
- Multiplex capability, up to 4-plex
- Assay flexibility, 1, 2 or 3-step assays, with variable incubation time and number of wash steps
Benefits
- Ultra-sensitivity – Up to 1000x greater sensitivity than traditional immunoassays
- Automation – Reproducibility and convenience of sample->answer workflow
- Multiplexing – Measure up to 4 biomarkers in single sample at fg/ml concentrations
- Flexibility – Supports both highthroughput and rapid result workflows
- Efficiency – Precise control of assay conditions allows for use of stored assay calibration values
- Menu – Fully compatible with 80+ assays as well as customized homebrew assays
2. Luminex® INTELLIFLEX – Multiplex quantitative immunoassays
The platform incorporates Luminex® xMAP® / Intelliflex technology, enabling ultrasensitive multiplex detection of multiple analytes simultaneously using color-coded microspheres.
This method allows simultaneous quantification of up to 50+ analytes in a single well, making it ideal for cytokine panels, signaling molecule profiling, and broad biomarker discovery studies.
Key features
- High‑multiplexing: 10–50+ biomarkers per sample
- Low sample consumption: typically, 25–50 µL
- Flexible assay design: customizable multiplex panels
- Broad dynamic range and robust quantification
3. Standard ELISA – Robust single analyte quantification
The platform also offers classical ELISA assays, providing accessible, reliable, and cost-effective detection for single biomarkers.
Standard ELISA remains the gold standard for many clinical and research applications due to its high specificity, straightforward workflow, and excellent reproducibility.
Key features
- High sensitivity and specificity for individual analytes
- Ideal for validation of biomarker candidates
- Compatible with a wide variety of commercial kits
Policy of use of the Achucarro Biomarkers services
Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience Bizkaia Science and Technology Park Building 205 E-48170 Zamudio (Spain)
