This month, Luminex launched the MAGPIX based on its multiplexing XMAP technology. The system can perform quantitative and qualitative analysis on up to 50 analytes per well (using a 96-well microplate), including proteins, antibodies and oligonucleotides. Priced at $35,000, the MAGPIX is almost half the price of the Luminex 200. Unique among Luminex products is the MAGPIX’s use of magnetic beads, which reduces the amount of fluid used.

The MAGPIX’s lower price is due to its optics. Luminex’s other instruments use lasers, avalanche photodiode tubes and photo-multiplier tubes as optics, while the MAGPIX uses LEDs and CCD cameras. This optical technology is low cost and less sensitive to movement. According to Tim Dehne, vice president of Systems Research and Development at Luminex, incorporating the LEDs into the system was challenging. “In a scientific application, we are sensitive to wavelength variation, and therefore, because [the LEDs] are not custom to our application, we had to design around the LEDs and the wavelengths of light they produce,” he said.

Luminex expects the MAGPIX’s 17.5 kg (38.5 lb), 64.8 cm (24 in) footprint, low price and the fact it can be fully installed by end-users to enable it to enter new markets. “The price point and portability means that emerging countries are a target market for this system. Academic institutions under tight budget constraints will also be interested,” said Mr. Dehne. Merck Millipore has been named the first reseller.