Fig. 4: Measurements of cytokines using the MIDAS assay.
From: MIDAS: rapid, multiplexed molecular profiling for integrated host–pathogen analysis
a Assay schematic for target analyte detection. Target analytes (e.g., proteins, nucleic acids) in patient biofluid samples (e.g., blood, urine) are colorimetrically labeled with hydrogel microparticles. The enzyme-mediated color development method using an enzyme-substrate pair [alkaline phosphatase (AP) and BCIP/NBT] catalytically converts substrate molecules into insoluble color products that locally precipitate and amplify on the particles. b Representative bright-field and MIDAS raw diffraction images of hydrogel particles after being labeled with target analytes spiked in human plasma at different concentrations. c Comparison of IL-3 detection using MIDAS and conventional ELISA. d Titration curves of IL-1β, IL-3, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α in diluted human plasma. e MIDAS signals for differential detection of various cytokines. Note the high specificity and low background noise compared to other cytokines. f Heatmap of obtained MIDAS signals for detection specificity. Data represent mean ± s.d. of three independent experiments. a.u. arbitrary unit. Source data are provided as a Source Data file.
