The SAFIA-System.
The integration of our system is totally carefree. We set up the system for you ready for operation.
Readout device
You will receive a robust benchtop flow cytometer for read-out of the assay.
SAFIA Software
Our tailor-made Software SAFIA-Score processes the data and generates quantitative results.
Support & Service
We will provide a comprehensive briefing and training of your employees. Additionally, we offer advis for your analytical questions.
How does SAFIA work and why is it better?
The SAFIA, or suspension array fluorescence immunoassay, is a particle-based multiplex immunoassay. Unlike conventional immunoassays, it is performed using encoded microparticles, with exactly one analyte assigned to each code. The coding is achieved by incorporating a dye into the particles. The determination of the analytes is then performed as a competitive immunoassay. For this purpose, the surface of the microparticles is decorated with analyte molecules. These serve as anchor molecules for the antibodies. In contrast to sandwich immunoassays, only one analyte-selective antibody is needed at a time, which binds either the anchor molecules on the surface of the particles or the free analyte molecules in solution. The antibodies binding on the surface of the SAFIA particles are then stained by luminescent antibodies. All processes take place simultaneously in suspension. The actual measurement is carried out using a flow cytometer. The cytometer detects both the coding of the particles and the luminescence of the secondary antibodies. Since the flow cytometer can distinguish between free luminophores and particle-bound luminophores, SAFIA can be carried out without washing steps. Consequently, the assay can be performed much faster and easier than conventional immunoassays. To guarantee the security of the results, we added a control measurement. With this, false-positive results are detected reliably.
Application areas
Multiplex analysis is particularly important for food and feed monitoring: contaminants such as mycotoxins and allergens must be found as quickly and reliably as possible, as they pose a risk to consumers. The simple and fast handling of SAFIA allows many samples to be screened specifically for contaminants which themselves are only present in traces in the products. Multiplex measurements are also demanded in environmental analysis. Usually, a large number of residues must be analysed. Examples include pesticides, drug residues and antibiotics, hydrocarbons and flame retardants, which can be found in contaminated soil and water. These groups of residues each comprise many individual substances and therefore require multi-analyte measurements.
Mycotoxin analysis
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolic products of moulds or ergot fungi. They are capable of causing acute poisoning, chronic diseases and even cancer when consumed. Mycotoxins represent one of the biggest contamination risks for the food industry and are therefore strongly regulated by the EU (see Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006). In common laboratory practice, mainly chromatographic methods are currently used. This method is slow and can only be performed by specialised personnel.
The SAFIA Mycotoxin Kit allows the detection of six regulated mycotoxins in cereal samples (wheat, maize, barley, rye, oats, spelt) as well as in feed. Other foodstuff such as juices, nuts, oils and spices can also be tested. The limits of detection are sufficient to ensure that EU regulations are met. The detection is carried out according to the described mix-and-measure principle. Are you interested in our mycotoxin kit? Simply contact us!
Allergen analysis
It is estimated that about 4% of all adults suffer from food allergies. The immune system of affected persons reacts to certain proteins called allergens. Accidental consumption of an allergen-contaminated product can cause severe reactions that can be life-threatening for those affected. Many people also suffer from food intolerances such as lactose intolerance or gluten intolerance.For this reason, the EU has decided to make food labelling mandatory (see EU regulation 1169/2011). A total of 14 different groups are currently defined that must be labelled as allergens. We will develop a kit that allows the parallel detection of different allergens in one measurement according to the mix-and-measure principle.
It is estimated that about 4% of all adults suffer from food allergies. The immune system of affected persons reacts to certain proteins called allergens. Accidental consumption of an allergen-contaminated product can cause severe reactions that can be life-threatening for those affected. Many people also suffer from food intolerances such as lactose intolerance or gluten intolerance.
For this reason, the EU has decided to make food labelling mandatory (see EU regulation 1169/2011). A total of 14 different groups are currently defined that must be labelled as allergens. We will develop a kit that allows the parallel detection of different allergens in one measurement according to the mix-and-measure principle.
Environmental analysis
SAFIA has also already proven itself in environmental analysis. We have developed a kit that can be used to analyse both drug residues (carbamazepine and diclofenac) and faecal markers (caffeine and the bile acid isolithocholic acid) in water samples. Carbamazepine and diclofenac, which are not completely degraded in sewage treatment plants, are good indicators for treated wastewater, while caffeine and bile acids are good markers for untreated wastewater. By measuring all substances simultaneously, pollution hotspots in water bodies can be identified and differentiated. In sewage treatment plants SAFIA can help to monitor the removal of drug residues and thus protect the environment.
Are you interested in our environmental kit? Simply contact us!
Do you have questions?
Please feel free to contact us.
