PerkinElmer has launched the AlphaPlex reagent technology for multiplex immunoassay analysis. AlphaPlex is based on the company’s Alpha (amplified luminescence proximity homogenous assays) technology, a homogeneous, bead-based, no-wash assay platform. Alpha Technology offerings also include the AlphaLISA and AlphaScreen reagents.

Based on the transfer of energy between Donor and Acceptor beads, AlphaPlex can generate multiple wavelengths through the use of multiple Acceptor beads. Currently, AlphaPlex assays can detect up to three analytes per well, according to Roger Bosse, Senior Global Product Leader for PerkinElmer’s Reagents Business. ”Based on the Acceptor beads available (Europium, Samarium and Terbium), we can detect up to three analytes,” he said. Other Acceptor beads are in development. “We anticipate to be able to detect four to five analytes per well.” Two AlphaPlex 545 Detection Kits are available: one for quantifying human insulin and another analyte, and one for quantifying IL-6 (interleukin 6) and another analyte. Six types of AlphaPlex 545 Acceptor beads are also available, including unconjugated Acceptor beads.

AlphaPlex benefits include a dynamic range of up to four orders of magnitude; compatibility with a range of analytes, including small nucleotides and large protein complexes; compatibility with high-affinity and low-affinity interactions; and reduced sample consumption, according to Mr. Bosse. “We anticipate that AlphaPlex will get fast adoption in both small-molecule– and biotherapeutics-discovery workflows, namely in biomarker detection and pathway analysis.”