Reveal Elusive Biomarkers with the FemtoQuest® System
Measure down to fg/mL levels of biomarkers using verified SMC® technology to easily perform dual-plex and single-analyte analysis of both big and small molecules. This open, simple-to-use system has an improved, proprietary optical design for enhanced performance and sensitivity. Accompanied with a suite of off-the-shelf kits and the ability to customize your assay with comprehensive all-in-one assay development kits, the FemtoQuest® platform is open to any research question. This low-maintenance instrument includes integrated data analysis, flexible assay options, and provides automation compatibility to streamline your workflow affordably.
Figure 1.The FemtoQuest® biomarker detection instrument.
Section Overview
If you need more information about the utility of the FemtoQuest® system for your research fill out our webform:
Find Out More About the FemtoQuest® System
SMC® technology is a high sensitivity platform that can detect analytes down to the fg/mL level and is an ideal tool for scientists looking for downregulation of biomarkers or scientists who need to use a surrogate matrix or biomarker when the ideal target is difficult to obtain. This versatile technology allows for easy, open development of assays to analytes of your choosing or available single-analyte and dual-plex kits that cover application areas including neuroscience, cancer research, cardiovascular disease research, immunology, and inflammation. This next generation platform offers significant advancements such as improved signal-to-noise ratio, more robust electronics, faster startup, automation friendly design, and compatibility with our highly qualified RFID tagged SMC® read plate. Start your biomarker quest by monitoring small changes in protein concentrations to accurately measure biomarkers associated with disease progression for research purposes.
Watch our informative webinar to learn more about the capabilities and data that can be generated with the FemtoQuest® platform using SMC® technology.
How Does it Work?
The FemtoQuest® system is a fluidics-free, image-based instrument that digitally counts fluor-conjugated molecules after excitation by a laser. Using patented algorithms for scanning and collecting signal from a well in a customized read plate, light is converted and amplified by proprietary avalanche photodiodes. The number of photons is counted within the sample over discrete time intervals. A response threshold is then calculated as events above background noise and the signal then digitized as discrete single molecule events per sample/well.
What Are the Benefits Over Other High Sensitivity Technologies?
The FemtoQuest® system is a non-fluidic instrument which does not require expensive startup or shutdown service visits, lowering overall maintenance costs serving as an affordable platform for ultrasensitive detection. Sample scanning occurs beneath the plate, and the sample is not removed during the read process, offering recoverable runs and plate re-reading capabilities. This simple-to-use system includes improved sensitivity, proprietary algorithms for data acquisition allowing for optimization of each channel and an improvement in the limit of detection and CVs for robust high sensitivity measurement. In addition to our offering of verified SMC® assay development kits, buffers, and customized read-plates to support self-developed assays, we have an extensive portfolio of available kits for a variety of disease markers, lot-matched against a sample library, offering lot-to-lot consistency and reliable performance across studies. With an automation-friendly design, further improve reproducibility and reduce hands-on-time with our ready-to-go, SMC® protocols for the AAW™ Automated Assay Workstation.
This enhanced performance extends to our flexible format offerings making the FemtoQuest® instrument an open platform, without the complexity and cost. Easily choose from our commercially available bead-based or plate-based assay kits that include all reagents and customized read-plates or develop your own using our assay development kit. Otherwise, take customization further with our expert scientists using Custom Assay Development and Innovation (CADI) services, allowing you to meet all your biomarker needs.
FemtoQuest® System Versus the SMCxPRO® Instrument Comparison
The SMC® technology has utilized the SMCxPRO® instrument since 2017 and prior to that, the proven, reliable Erenna® instrument. The FemtoQuest® system expands and enhances the portfolio as a compact, affordable, and flexible instrument providing both dual-plex and single analyte detection at femtogram/mL levels. The sensitivity improvement positions the FemtoQuest® system as a next generation platform to advance research.
Figure 2.Calculated concentration of A) cTnI, B) IL-17A, C) IL-17F, and D) IL-23 across 15 samples as determined by SMC® assays measured using FemtoQuest®, SMCxPRO®, and Erenna® instruments. Determined sample concentrations were comparable across all three instruments (R2=0.94-1.00).
Discover more tips for using this platform in our FemtoQuest® Best Practices article.
Instrument Service Plans and Support
The FemtoQuest® system is a highly sensitive, easy-to-use solution for protein quantification in your research. The instrument is supported by a team of highly trained field service engineers and expert technical support to ensure smooth operation, reliability, and consistency.
Service Plans
We offer a variety of best-in-class service plans, designed to meet the needs of your lab. These service plans ensure that your system is optimized and maintained in excellent condition to support your critical research and maximize instrument longevity.
Our range of service and preventative maintenance plans are supported by both highly trained service engineers and technical support representatives. These plans are designed to allow you to choose your preferred level of service.
Service Plan Advantages
- Maintain optimal instrument performance to ensure high-quality data
- Reduce overall service costs
- Protect your instrument investment and long-term operation
One-Year Warranty
FemtoQuest® systems are sold with a one-year manufacturer warranty that covers manufacturing defects within the first year of installation. Qualified field service engineers will install the FemtoQuest® system and field application scientists will demonstrate how to maintain the instrument as part of customer training.
Contracts for service assume continuous warranty or service contract coverage. If coverage lapses and is later re-established, the instrument must first be restored to factory specifications and may result in additional costs.
Instrument Technical Support
In addition to onsite service support, our worldwide technical support team can assist you by email or telephone. Their wide range of technical expertise enables them to address questions on both hardware and software. If your concern cannot be resolved by our technical support team, we will schedule an onsite visit from a trained service engineer or application specialist.
Related Products and Services
We provide you with the experienced support needed to advance your research every step of the way. In addition to our wide portfolio of kits, we offer affordable hands-on custom assay development training to help you develop an assay for your own protein of interest. We also offer custom assay development services to expedite development and accelerate your research.
Our ancillary equipment and software are customized to work specifically with the SMC® technology, including the required SMC®/MILLIPLEX® BioTek® 405™ TSUVS plate washer and our Belysa® immunoassay curve fitting software designed to give you confidence in your data.
We also offer qualification services to verify and ensure your instrument is working according to the manufacturer’s specifications. These services are performed at the time of installation.
To help enhance lab efficiency, SMC® assays can also be automated on our AAW™ automated assay workstation.
Equipment and Software
If you need more information about the utility of the FemtoQuest® system for your research fill out our webform:
For Research Use Only. Not For Use In Diagnostic Procedures.