QPDx^®: A Novel Multiplex Immunoassay

The QPDx^® BioChip is a fully self-contained multiplex protein immunoassay. The QPDx^® BioChip can be used for biomarker analysis in areas such as oncology, wound healing, a variety of inflammatory disorders, sepsis and cardiovascular disease. In addition, Avantra Biosciences offers custom biomarker immunoassay development of disease or drug specific BioChips to fit any specific testing needs.

Advantages of the QPDx^® BioChips

• Self Contained: No reagent preparation required
• Rapid Results: Results in as little as 15 minutes
• Reproducibility: CVs typically below 10%
• Ease of Use: No specialized training required to run a multiplex biomarker immunoassay
• On Board Positive and Negative Controls
• Extraordinary Sample Utilization: 100 µL of sample per BioChip yields 6 replicate measurements per analyte
• Sensitivity: Picogram level detection

BioChip Operating Principle

The QPDx^® BioChip is a cartridge with 3 chambers; a sample chamber, a detection antibody chamber, and a label chamber - all connected by a series of channels interspersed with sensors and valves to detect and direct fluid flow. The reaction takes place on an antibody microarray that has been spotted onto a pre-coated nitrocellulose (PATH^®) glass slide.

The QPDx^® BioChip and the Avantra Q400 Instrument combination automates a standard sandwich immunoassay. After the BioChip is inserted into the Avantra Q400 and a sample is injected into the BioChip, the instrument automatically directs the flow of reagents. First the sample flows to the reaction chamber followed by solubilized biotinylated detection antibodies, labeled streptavidin, and wash buffer. Spent reagents flow into the BioChip waste receptacles keeping all liquids contained within the BioChip. At the end of the assay, fluorescently labeled complexes are imaged by an internal CCD camera. The instrument software correlates spot intensity with analyte concentration and reports the results.

Learn more about Courtagen’s Protein Diagnostics Division.