MEIA Technology IMx FT3
Analytes bind to microparticles.
The IMx System transfers sample and microparticles (capture molecules) to the incubation well of the reaction cell. During the incubation period, analytes bind to the microparticles, creating an immune complex.
Immune complex binds to glass fiber matrix.
The IMx System transfers an aliquot of the immune complex to the reaction cell's inert glass fiber matrix. The immune complex binds irreversibly to the glass fiber matrix. The IMx washes the matrix to remove unbound materials. The immune complex is retained by the glass fibers while the excess reaction mixture flows rapidly through the large pores in the matrix.
Conjugate completes the immune complex.
The IMx System adds alkaline phosphatase-labeled conjugate to the matrix. The conjugate binds to unbound antibody on the immune complex. The IMx washes the matrix again.
MUP converts to MU.
The IMx System adds the fluorogenic substrate, 4-Methylumbelliferyl Phosphate (MUP), to the matrix. The conjugate catalyzes the hydrolysis of 4-Methylumbelliferyl Phosphate (MUP) to 4-Methylumbelliferyl (MU).
Rate of MU generation indicates analyte concentration.
The MEIA optics measure the rate at which MU, the fluorescent product, is generated on the glass fiber matrix. The rate at which MU is generated on the matrix is proportional to the concentration of analyte in the test sample.
