Meso Scale Discovery is a unique multiplexing platform for quantifying analytes in complex study matrices. They have over 400 assay types and customization options to help scientists make accurate decisions in the drug development processes. Besides, Meso Scale assays provide high-quality results in less time and effort compared to conventional immunoassays. Hence, they are now widely adopted by several biotech and pharmaceutical companies, research organizations, and government and academic institutions. However, there are certain aspects to consider while developing and conducting Meso Scale Discovery assays. Following are three Meso Scale Discovery principles every CRO should comprehend.
Electrochemiluminescence
The Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) platform consists of electrochemiluminescence labels. Sulfo-tag labels, upon electrical stimulation under appropriate environments, generate a light signal. This light reaction is incorporated in every MSD assay to detect and quantify analytes in complex biological matrices.
Working of electrochemiluminescence labels
- The bottom of Multi-spot and Multi-array MSD plates has high binding carbon electrodes. These electrodes provide upto 10X binding capacity for attachment of biological materials.
- Electrochemiluminescence labels, also called Sulfo-tags, are conjugated with detection antibodies for ultra-sensitive detection.
- Once electricity is applied to the microplates, the Sulfo-tags emit light which can then be measured to quantify analytes in biological samples.
Benefits of electrochemiluminescence labels
- MSD assays have multiple excitation cycles and therefore enhance light signals and eventually provide higher sensitivity
- Electrochemiluminescent labels provide a broader dynamic range without needing multiple sample dilutions.
- As the stimulation method is decoupled from the light signal, only labels near the electrodes are detected.
- Sulfo-tag labels are easy to use.
- They are non-radioactive, stable, and convenient to use.
- Besides, they have unsurpassed quality and performance, making them ideal for numerous types of samples such as serum, plasma, blood, and cell supernatant.
Multi-array technology
Multi-array systems combine arrays and electrochemiluminescence detection for high sensitivity and speedy biological assays. Moreover, Meso Scale assays also have the option of Multi-spot plates that provide multiplexing capacities to quantify multiple analytes requiring less effort and time. Multi-spot MSD plates have arrays within wells, with up to 10 spots in a single well.
Benefits of Multi-array technology
- Assays can be performed in lower sample volumes, saving valuable samples
- Provides speed and sensitivity across a broad dynamic range and sample types
- Assays such as MSD cytokine assays can measure biomarkers and cytokines in diseased and normal samples without diluting the study sample multiple times.
Instruments
MSD has an instrument for every research need. The two primary MSD instruments include the MESO QuickPlex SQ 120 and the MESO SECTOR S 600. The MESO QuickPlex SQ 120 is an affordable, compact, and multiplexing unit. The MESO SECTOR S 600 is ideal for high throughput and highly dense study data.
All MSD instruments employ the Multi-array technology for rapid, fast, and sensitive data analysis. These systems are complemented with robust DISCOVERY WORKBENCH assay software. Moreover, they require no complicated fluidics, no maintenance, or no cleaning time in-between reads.
Hence, whether researchers want to test cytokines or toxicity or immunogenicity analysis, MSD platforms have become the primary choice for drug discovery and development studies.
