ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay):The iMark Microplate Reader is commonly used in ELISA assays for the detection and quantification of antibodies, antigens, and other proteins in biological samples. It allows researchers to measure absorbance at different wavelengths (e.g., 450 nm for many ELISA kits) to determine the concentration of the target analyte.
Protein Quantification :The iMark Microplate Reader is used in assays such as the Bradford Assay, BCA Assay, and Lowry Assay for determining the concentration of proteins in samples. The reader measures the absorbance at specific wavelengths corresponding to the color changes in these assays.
Cell Viability and Cytotoxicity Assays : It is widely used in cell-based assays to measure cell viability, proliferation, and cytotoxicity. For example, assays like the MTT assay, XTT assay, and Alamar Blue are commonly performed to assess the health and growth of cultured cells. The iMark Microplate Reader quantifies cell viability by measuring absorbance at specific wavelengths (e.g., 490 nm or 570 nm).
Nucleic Acid Quantification:The microplate reader can be used for quantification of nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA. Specific assays like NanoDrop or A260/A280 ratio can be performed to assess the concentration and purity of nucleic acid samples.
Enzyme Activity Measurement :It is used to measure the activity of enzymes through the change in absorbance of the reaction mixture. This is particularly useful in kinetic assays where the change in absorbance over time can be monitored at specific wavelengths to assess enzyme activity.
Binding and Inhibition Studies:The iMark Microplate Reader is used in binding assays to study the interactions between ligands and receptors or to measure inhibition in enzyme or protein function. It can detect small changes in absorbance that occur as a result of these interactions.
Immunoassays :Immunoassays such as competitive binding assays and sandwich immunoassays can be performed with the iMark Microplate Reader to detect various substances like hormones, drugs, infectious agents, or vitamins in clinical and research settings.
Kinetic and Endpoint Assays: The iMark allows for both kinetic measurements (monitoring absorbance over time) and endpoint measurements (taking absorbance readings at a specific time point). This is useful in a wide range of biochemical and immunological assays where changes in absorbance indicate reactions or interactions.
Metabolite and Hormone Analysis :In clinical research, the iMark Microplate Reader is used to measure various metabolites or hormones in biological fluids, such as serum or plasma, by using specific assay kits designed for these purposes.
Biological Sample Analysis:The iMark Microplate Reader can be used to analyze various biological samples, such as serum, plasma, urine, and saliva, for a wide range of diagnostic tests and research applications.