Meso Scale Discovery Assay: Expectations vs. Reality

What is Meso Scale Discovery?

Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) is a unique, robust platform offering multiplexing functionality to assess several analytes in biological samples. They have over 400 assay types and provide customization alternatives to detect and quantify biomarkers, proteins, cytokines, and other crucial molecules in complex study matrices. Meso Scale Discovery assays offer singleplex and multiplex options by employing electrochemiluminescence detection. They combine Multi-array technology with electrochemiluminescence to provide rapid and highly dense study data through miniaturization and parallel sample processing.

Due to several vital advantages, MSD assays are adopted widely by pharmaceutical companies, research organizations, biomedical laboratories, and government institutions. Besides multiplexing assays such as MSD PK assay, the product line includes microplates and reagents needed for assay development. Therefore, MSD has become an essential component for different stages of drug development. However, with any technology, there are certain aspects researchers should consider before beginning their bioanalysis journey. The current article unearths several realities of MSD assays found during the drug development lifecycle.

Expectations vs. reality 

Expectation: We can run the MSD assay on our system

Reality: The MSD system is unique in its detection. Hence, the system is only compatible with the units sold through MSD and vice versa.

Expectation: We can use our own PC

Reality: No, researchers need to use the PC supplied with the instrument. This specification is because each MSD PC is configured to a specific assay instrument. Hence, MSD guarantees functionality with a supplied PC that has been tested with software and instrument compatibility.

Expectation: We can easily network the MSD computer

Reality: It is not that simple to network the MSD instrument computer. Systems under evaluation cannot be networked together. An MSD system will require assistance from MSD’s service team for networking. This networking process begins with backup creation and removal of the DISCOVERY WORKBENCH software and SQL database. Once the system is networked, the team will rebuild the software and the database.

Must Read: Using ELISA assays to diagnose various diseases and conditions

Expectation: All V-Plex kits contain control samples

Reality: This is not the case. V-Plex Plus kits have controls, not V-Plex kits. Although, researchers can separately purchase assay controls for V-Plex kits.

Expectation: You can read individual wells in a partial plate

Reality: The MSD SECTOR instrument reads microplates in a sector, not individual wells. So for a 96-well assay plate, the instrument divides the microplate into six groups, with each group containing 16 wells. Thus, researchers may specify the sectors for analysis.

Expectation: We can run undiluted samples for increased sensitivity

Reality: MSD recommends using at least the minimum sample dilution for optimal performance. To increase assay sensitivity, some assays can be incubated overnight at 2-8°C. However, researchers should test this incubation step for their assays.

Expectation: Researchers can run other sample types such as tissue homogenates with V-Plex kits

Reality: Although researchers can use V-Plex kits for other sample types, MSD has not validated them in different sample types.

Expectation: Researchers can purchase calibrators for R-Plex assays individually.

Reality: No. R-Plex calibrators are available as part of the R-Plex Antibody set. So researchers cannot purchase them individually.