Need help using xMAP® Technology to couple beads or develop a new assay? Our team of expert scientists has you covered!
Since Luminex scientists developed xMAP® multiplexing technology in the late 1990s, researchers across the world have been drawn to the flexible, open architecture design of xMAP microspheres—or beads—for developing custom immunoassays. Compared to traditional methods, multiplexing can reduce time, labor, and costs, and xMAP bead technology supports everything from drug discovery and development to cancer research.
Not all users have the time or expertise to develop new assays, and custom immunoassay services are in huge demand. To meet that need, we’ve expanded our team and developed a service dedicated to developing custom assays—the LuminexPLORE Lab.
Whether you are interested in using an existing kit to study a different species, interrogating an unusual tissue sample type, or anything in between, our team of Application Scientists are assay development experts who provide custom lab services. These tests range from discrete tasks (such as bead coupling) to developing and validating an entire multiplex immunoassay. We work closely with you to ensure we understand each project’s specific goals and deliver precisely what’s needed.
The team behind LuminexPLORE Lab
The LuminexPLORE Lab is run by Jackie Surls, PhD, an immunoassay expert with a background in building out molecular biology laboratories and designing molecular tests. Her familiarity with xMAP Technology made her a great fit to launch our custom services lab in 2019.
More recently, Jackie has added several members to her team. Here are the newest scientists in the lab:
Rhea Kang, PhD
Background: Worked extensively in proteomics and genomics at a major academic medical center.
Why the lab matters: “We’re helping people and making contributions to the scientific community.”
Advice for customers: “We’re always happy to set up a meeting, answer questions, and talk about how the LuminexPLORE Lab can help customers—whether they’re just thinking about a project or have already tried it themselves.”
Frank Medina, PhD
Background: Researched protein degradation in an academic lab and processed COVID‑19 samples and tests at a CLIA lab.
Why use xMAP Technology? “You can do anything with xMAP Technology, the possibilities are endless. From proteomics or nucleic acid assays to serology assays, it’s so customizable.”
Advice for customers: “A lot of labs want to try developing custom assays on their own, but it can be so much easier to come to the home of the technology and work with us. With our custom assay development service, you know you’re getting the best assay possible because Luminex scientists are developing it.”
Carrie Wittmer, MS
Background: Researched neurodegenerative diseases in biotech and pharma, in part by using xMAP Technology to generate more data from low-volume samples by multiplexing immunoassays instead of running serial ELISA tests.
How the lab can help: “Everyone here is a dedicated scientist; we all have a wide range of industry and academic experience.”
Advice for customers: “If you’re struggling with a project, it’s probably something we can help with. You may be experiencing a problem we’ve already gone through and can solve for you.”
LuminexPLORE Lab offers custom assay development services, assay troubleshooting, and more! If you’re interested in learning more about how we can help accelerate your research, check out the LuminexPLORE Lab page here.