# Multiplexed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay workstation for clinical research

> **NIH NIH S10** · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $65,000

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract.
Clinical and translational research relies on surrogate markers measured in biological samples from study
subjects and used to address the underlying research questions. The choice of surrogate biomarkers is often
limited by the limited sample volume obtainable from subjects and by the increased costs associated with
measuring many different biomarkers one at a time. The long-standing goal of the Institute for Clinical and
Translational Research Clinical Research Core Laboratory (ICTR CRCL) has been to support research
protocols through measuring levels of surrogate markers in study participant samples (blood, serum, plasma,
urine, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid). The ICTR CRCL has performed analyses for clinical research occurring at
the Johns Hopkins University Schools of Medicine, Nursing, and Public Health, as well as at other regional
institutions such as the University of Maryland and the Clinical Center at the National Institutes of Health.
Biomarkers have evolved from single measure in a sample aliquot to many measures in a single sample
aliquot. These multiplexed assays are comprised of panels of biomarkers that can report on the status of
numerous components in complex systems and pathways such as immune responses (the balance of pro-
versus anti-inflammatory compounds) and vascular/cardiovascular systems (health versus acute or chronic
dysregulation). Since 2007, the Clinical Research Core Laboratory has used a Mesoscale Discovery SI2400
Multiplex Workstation to offer multiplexed immunoassays to clinical investigators. These tests are based on
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methodology using 96 well plates that have discrete ‘micro-well
regions’ within each well coated with specific capture antibodies enabling the capture of multiple analytes from
a single sample aliquot in one well. The multiplexed ELISAs have a greater sensitivity and linear range
compared to traditional ELISAs because detection is based on an electrochemiluminescent signal as opposed
to a colorimetric signal. The SI2400 Multiplex Workstation gave investigators greater options in terms of the
identifying biomarkers to utilize as clinical endpoints and enabled more clinical measures to be made in less
time for less cost and using smaller volumes of study subject samples. The SI2400 Multiplex Workstation
ceased working reliably in 2020 and cannot be repaired. During its 14 years of service the machine yielded
~94,000 reportable results for 63 different clinical research protocols. We are seeking funding for a
replacement multiplex workstation. The MESO QuickPlex SQ120MM instrument is an updated version of the
SI2400 that will enable the laboratory to continue to provide clinical investigators with the ability to use
measures of multiple biomarkers at reducing costs, sample volume requirements and analysis times. This
provides clinical investigators with enhanced molecular detail on the status of organ systems and signaling
pathways tha...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10413539
- **Project number:** 1S10OD032154-01
- **Recipient organization:** JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** NEAL S FEDARKO
- **Activity code:** S10 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $65,000
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-08-15 → 2023-08-14

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10413539

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10413539, Multiplexed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay workstation for clinical research (1S10OD032154-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-09-03 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10413539. Licensed CC0.

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