FAQs
1) What is the goal of an antibody array experiment?
Antibody arrays allow the comparison of protein abundancies for hundreds of targets simultaneously, making it possible to characterise whole pathways, profile enzyme activities, identifiy biomarkers and even study post-translational modifications.
2) How many antibodies can I include per array?
Around 100 in duplicates for 14-array slides, upto around 500 in duplicates for 2-array slides.
3) How many samples can I analyze?
A maximum of 14 different samples per slide, as a function of experiment size.
4) What types of sample can I send?
Typically cell pellets, tissue, cell culture supernatant, serum and extracted proteins and used. Contact us if you want to use another sample type as we can accommodate almost any type of sample.
5) What is the required quantity of starting biological material?
>1x106 cells, to provide >100 micrograms of total protein extract
>10 milligrams of tissue, to provide >100 micrograms of total protein extract
>20 microliters of serum
>100 micrograms of extracted protein. MicroBioChips can advise on acceptable buffer compositions for extracted proteins.
6) How do you check antibody specificities?
We can confirm antibody specificity and deliver a high level of confidence by expanding the population of potential cross-reactivity examined; desirably in the presence of control positive antigen(s), where available.
7) What type of controls do you include in the array?
Housekeeping proteins for normalization, labeled proteins for spotting, BSA for non-specific background.
8) Can I use a sandwich detection method?
Yes.
9) Is the method quantitative?
Antibody arrays are a semi-quantitative technique, however it is possible to include a standard curve to allow full quantification. If you are interested in a fully quantifiable analysis contact us to discuss the available options.
10) How many replicates shall I do?
It is highly recommended that experiment should have at least 3 replicates.
11) What is the delivery time?
A full secure and confidential report is returned to you in 6-8 weeks, depending on the complexity of tailored experiments.
12) Do you have other questions?
If you still have other questions you can learn more about the principle of antibody arrays and the custom antibody array process on our information pages, or contact us to discuss your requirements.