Newly released cytokine biochip arrays from Randox allow simultaneous detection of up to 12 cytokines, cytokine receptors and growth factors in a single patient sample
Cytokines are signalling compounds which communicate via cell-surface receptors.
Due to their central role in the immune system, cytokines are involved in a variety of immunological, inflammatory and infectious diseases.
In recent years, the cytokine receptors have been the focus of researchers - more so than cytokines themselves - because a deficiency of cytokine receptors has now been directly linked to certain debilitating immunodeficiency states.
Cytokines and their receptors have been linked to many disease states including inflammation, autoimmune diseases, allergies, vascular diseases and cancer.
Randox says it understands that research needs to be time- and cost-effective and allow you to make the most of every sample.
Biochip arrays utilise Biochip array technology, which is based on Elisa principles of sandwich or competitive immunoassays.
The 9x9mm biochip acts as a reaction platform, with up to 12 cytokine, cytokine receptor or growth factor specific antibodies attached at pre-defined sites on the surface.
Up to 12 analytes can be measured simultaneously using just 0.1ml of patient sample and either human serum or plasma can be tested.
Four cytokine arrays are currently available and a fifth array will be released later in 2008.
Each array comprises between five and 12 tests, 35 cytokine assays in total.
Randox has a very strong R+D ethos and says it currently has more tests in development than any other diagnostic company in the world.
