Bio-Plex 200 System: A Versatile Platform for Multiplex Analysis
The Bio-Plex® 200 from Bio-Rad is an instrument dedicated to suspension array analysis, ideal for laboratories seeking a flexible and robust platform. Using fluorescent microsphere technology, it allows the simultaneous measurement of multiple analytes in a single microplate well, with a multiplexing capacity of up to 100 parameters. It is compatible with a wide variety of panels, ranging from human cytokines and cancer biomarkers to cell signaling analysis and studies on metabolic diseases.
This system relies on the combined use of lasers, photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), and the Bio-Plex Manager software, which handles both data acquisition and analysis. This all-in-one package ensures smooth operation, from calibration to data interpretation, facilitating protocol standardization and reducing human error. The Bio-Plex 200 accepts 96-well plates and offers a throughput suitable for medium-density research needs, with a complete plate readout in approximately 40 minutes.
The Bio-Plex 200 delivers consistent performance comparable to other systems in the range, whether in terms of detection limits, measurement ranges (LLOQ/ULOQ), or inter-assay precision. However, it stands out for its ability to operate with both magnetic and non-magnetic assays, a notable advantage over the MAGPIX system, which is more limited in this regard.
The instrument also excels in data management thanks to its intuitive software interface. Bio-Plex Manager centralizes all functionalities required for successful analysis, from plate setup to data export, including automatic generation of standard curves. This level of control makes it particularly well-suited for laboratories that demand both analytical rigor and ease of use.
Tests performed on panels such as the Bio-Plex Pro human cytokines (27-plex) demonstrate that the Bio-Plex 200 offers sensitivity equivalent to other platforms, without artificial signal elevation, which can be observed with the 3D model. The background signal remains low, ensuring better signal-to-noise distinction. Measured concentrations across multiple samples are consistent, confirming the instrument’s reliability, even for complex analyses.
Thanks to its broad compatibility with various Bio-Rad kit ranges—including isotyping, angiogenesis, and 8 µm bead-based assays—the Bio-Plex 200 stands out as a comprehensive solution for biomedical research laboratories.
