Innovation making the difference
Find out how SAFIA revolutionizes the simultaneous detection of multiple contaminants, what advantages our technology offers over conventional methods and how easy it is to perform the SAFIA assay in three steps.
How exactly does SAFIA work?
The Suspension Array Fluorescence Immunoassay (SAFIA) is a particle-based multiplex immunoassay that enables the simultaneous analysis of several analytes precisely and efficiently.
- Coded microparticles
- Coding is performed by a dye incorporated into the particles. Different color intensities allow the particles to be coded so that each code can be assigned to exactly one analyte. Based on this, up to 12 contaminants can be reliably detected in parallel.
- Determination by competitive immunoassay
- Analyte molecules are covalently bound to the microparticles, which act as antigens for the primary antibodies. The prim. antibodies bind either to the particles or to the free analyte molecules in the solution. In contrast to sandwich immunoassays, only one analyte-selective antibody is used at a time.
- Fluorescent labeling
- The primary antibodies are tagged with luminescent secondary antibodies.
- Measurement in Flow Cytometer
- Both the color coding of the particles and the luminescence of the secondary antibodies are detected. This allows the measured luminescence and the resulting concentration to be assigned to the individual contaminants via the coding.
Comparison of SAFIA Technology
With the Suspension Array Fluorescence Immunoassay (SAFIA), our technology sets new standards in analysis. After all, it combines the strengths of different analytical methods. The innovative mix-and-measure method enables the rapid analysis of numerous samples for a wide range of contaminants. With impressive performance: 500 individual toxin determinations with just one kit - faster and more cost-efficient than conventional methods.
Why SAFIA
The comparison shows that our SAFIA technology overcomes the limitations of traditional methods.
Chromatographic methods:
- High sensitivity
- Low detection limits
- Time-consuming sample preparation
- Expensive due to high acquisition, maintenance and consumption costs
- Time-consuming and require specially trained personnel
ELISA
- Low cost per test
- Simple sample preparation
- Simple sample preparation
- Time-consuming due to washing steps
- False-positive results due to matrix effects
- Only one contaminant per test can be detected
- Parallelization of several tests is often inefficient and time-consuming
SAFIA
- Easy sample preparation
- Easy handling by Mix & Measure
- Low costs per contaminant by multiplex technology
- No washing steps by particle-based assay
- Detection of false-positive results by internal control
- High throughput in 96-well plate
- Automatic evaluation
SAFIA in figures: Efficiency in a nutshell
- Simultaneous detection thanks to encoded microparticles.
- 12 contaminants
- Maximum execution time
- 35 minutes
- Readout time per well of a 96-well microtiter plate
- < 45 seconds
Method - from sample to analysis
Extraction
Liquid samples can be measured directly without additional extraction. For solid food and feed samples, the contaminants must first be extracted. This process involves homogenizing the samples, followed by mixing with the extraction agent. The resulting extracts are diluted in the sample buffer and then divided into the wells of the supplied microtiter plate. In contrast to chromatographic methods, SAFIA does not require the time-consuming sample cleanup via a pre-column. There is also no need to concentrate the sample - a clear advantage in terms of efficiency and user-friendliness.
Mix: Stable and precise
Only the SAFIA particles, analyte-specific antibodies and labeled secondary antibodies are added to the sample extracts and carefully mixed. After incubation, the reaction is stopped with a patented fixative solution to ensure stable signals during microplate readout. In contrast to classical immunoassays such as ELISA, SAFIA does not require time-consuming intermediate steps such as washing - a considerable advantage in terms of speed and user-friendliness.
Measure: Automated and fast
The samples in the 96 wells of the microtiter plate are read out fully automatically one after the other by a flow cytometer. The system records both the coding of the particles and the bound antibodies. The data generated is then analyzed by specially developed software - quickly, precisely and without manual effort.
Discover the matching SAFIA kit for your requirements
See SAFIA technology for yourself and how our innovation can revolutionize your processes. In a non-binding consultation, we will analyze your requirements together and develop tailor-made solutions for your company.
Do you have questions?
Please feel free to contact us.
