Manual
Luminex 100 IS Developer Workbench Guide Version 2.3 xMAP Technology
50 PN 89-00002-00-084 Rev. B
Vortexing and sonicating are not effective in resuspending the xMAP
microspheres or preventing aggregation. However, vortexing and
sonicating are recommended once the microspheres are transferred.
Over time, it is normal to see a presence of beads on the surface of
the liquid in the stock vials. You may notice a container wall residue
and suspended macrobead aggregates. While these conditions are
typical, the severity may increase with repeated opening and
pipetting from the vials. Limiting the number of times a stock vial is
opened reduces the risk of photobleaching and possible bacterial
contamination as well. For these reasons, order a volume of the
xMAP microsphere stock that is closest to the amount of xMAP
microspheres you will need in a single use.
The following indirect sonication methods are effective at separating
aggregates in closed containers of xMAP microsphere preparations.
Probe Sonicator To disperse an xMAP microsphere pellet in 1 mL volumes using
a probe sonicator:
1. Place probe tip in a small bath of water.
2. Insert the end of the xMAP microsphere tube near, but not
touching, the tip of the sonicator probe. Do not immerse tube
closure.
3. Adjust sonication for optimal disruption and pulse sonicate until
the xMAP microsphere pellet is dispersed.
Bath Sonicator To disperse an xMAP microsphere pellet in 1 mL volumes using
a bath sonicator:
1. Turn on the bath sonicator and examine the surface for an area of
maximum disruption.
2. Insert the end of the tube into the sonicator bath near the area of
maximum disruption.
3. Sonicate until the xMAP microsphere pellet is dispersed.
Enumeration of xMAP
Microsphere Suspensions
Luminex xMAP microspheres are provided at standard
concentrations. The xMAP microsphere yield after a coupling
process may be less than the starting concentration due to loss during
wash steps. The xMAP microsphere loss can vary according to
operator technique, coupled reactant properties, and scale of
coupling.
Note: Do not insert a sonicator
probe into preparations.