Development of a new biochip array for APOE4 classification from plasma samples using immunoassay-based methods.

Background: Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is a key player in lipid transport and metabolism and exists in three common isoforms: APOE2, APOE3 and APOE4. The presence of the E4 allelic variant is recognized as a major genetic risk factor for dementia and other chronic (neuro)degenerative diseases. The availability of a validated assay for rapid and reliable APOE4 classification is therefore advantageous.

Simultaneous detection of four nitrofuran metabolites in honey using a multiplexing biochip screening assay.

A chemiluminescence-based biochip array sensing technique has been developed and applied to the screening of honey samples for residues of banned nitrofuran antibiotics. Using a multiplex approach, metabolites of the four main nitrofuran antibiotics could be simultaneously detected. Individual antibodies specific towards the metabolites were spotted onto biochips.

Stable competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit for rapid measurement of 11 active beta-lactams in milk, tissue, urine, and serum.

Beta-lactams are used as veterinary drugs for the treatment of food-producing animals. For consumer protection, legislation is in place to set limits for their residues. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed which allowed, in a single reaction, the class-specific measurement of 11 beta-lactams, with limits of detection below European maximum residue limits.

Application of Evidence Investigator for the simultaneous measurement of soluble adhesion molecules: L-, P-, E- selectins, VCAM-1, ICAM-1 in a biochip platform.

The semiautomated Evidence Investigator has been applied to the simultaneous specific measurement of soluble adhesion molecules: L-, P-, E- selectins, VCAM-1, ICAM-1 using a reduced volume of sample. The biochip is the solid support and vessel where the sandwich immunoassay takes place. Signal detection, imaging, data processing, and storage are fully automated.

Development of a high-throughput automated analyzer using biochip array technology.

Background: Use of protein array technology over conventional assay methods has advantages that include simultaneous detection of multiple analytes, reduction in sample and reagent volumes, and high output of test results. The susceptibility of ligands to denaturation, however, has impeded production of a stable, reproducible biochip platform, limiting most array assays to manual or, at most, semiautomated processing techniques. Such limitations may be overcome by novel biochip fabrication procedures.