ELISA assays

ELISA or enzyme-linked-immunosorbent serologic assay, is an assay that relies on an enzymatic conversion reaction and is used to detect the presence of specific substances (such as enzymes or viruses or antibodies or bacteria). ELISA is a simple and highly sensitive method of analysis that allows for simultaneous and rapid quantification of a large number of samples.

The assay is based on the specific recognition of the target compound (analyte/antigen) by antibodies which bind to the compound. The antigen-antibody complex is detected and measured with the aid of an enzyme-labelled antibody or antigen. Upon addition of a non-colored reagent the enzyme produces a color reaction where the color intensity is directly or inversely proportional to the concentration of the analyte in the sample.

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paa has more than 10 years of experience in the field of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and paa offers a large selection powerful systems. Ass paa is independent, we are able to offer the best equipment for the assays, choose from the wide range of equipment for the sample preparation, incubation, washing and reading steps.

Modules can be seemlessly integrated onto the workstations and controlled by Overlord3, the paa dynamic scheduling software enabling hands-free automation, from distribution of the sample to detection of the assay signal.

Click any picture below to see the equipment that can be used on YOUR Overlord3 controlled ELISA assay.

We offer a wide range of ELISA workcells depending on the complexity of the process. The simplest system is a stacker based system the most advanced is a factory robot based system (both detailed below).

Depending on the specification of the ELISA process, paa offer a number of software solutions.

For the smaller workcell, use Overlord3

For complex workcells, use Assay Manager

The smaller ELISA workcells can be built with either a pipetting station with a plate moving tool (such as the PerkinElmer JANUS) or using a stacker. For example, the workcell is controlled by JANUS Project Manager (JPM, the OEM version of OVERLORD Scheduler).

The process is represented as a Gantt Chart and each horizontal line of the Gantt Chart represents one plate. The sample process line can be replicated for a batch of plates.

After optimising, the process follows the described actions in the allocated time frame.

Although PerkinElmer equipment is shown here, the process works equally well with any equivalent instrumentation.

Video of a JPM controlled PerkinElmer ELISA workcell

A more complex ELISA experiment, with multiple process and incubation steps, can be delivered with an automate.it safecel laboratory automation workcell. Using a reliable factory robot (e.g. Mitsubishi or Staubli) consistent results are achieved.

The workcell (left) has a light curtain, although Plexiglas doors are available where sample/solvent containment is required.

The user front end is Assay Manager, a sample centric interface to the user, that protects the user for the robot control system. Assay Manager controls the equipment in the workcell via Overlord3.

Video of a Staubli based ELISA workcell