Fluid & Cell Biomarkers

Fluid and cell biomarkers are measurable biological indicators found in biofluids or cellular samples. They help characterize biological processes, treatment responses, and mechanistic pathways. At Biospective, we focus on delivering high-quality biomarker data that supports robust translational research.

Biospective supports biomarker measurement across a wide range of matrices, including:

• Blood (serum and plasma)
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
• Tissue homogenate supernatants
• Cell culture media

Each matrix is backed by optimized workflows to ensure sensitivity and reproducibility.

We offer a comprehensive suite of assays, including: 

• NF-L
• Aβ40/42
• Tau (total and phosphorylated)
• Cytokines
• Chemokines
• Additional exploratory markers

Our team can guide selection based on the biological questions and required analytical performance.

We leverage industry-leading technologies - including ultra-sensitive immunoassay platforms and multiplex systems - to deliver optimal sensitivity, dynamic range, and throughput based on assay requirements.

Yes. Biospective provides validated single-plex assays for high-precision quantification as well as multiplex assays for efficient measurement of multiple biomarkers from a single sample. 

Sample volume requirements vary by platform and biomarker, but Biospective minimizes volume needs wherever possible. We provide clear guidelines during project planning to ensure compatibility with your study constraints.

Amyloid-Beta (Aβ): a peptide derived from the amyloid precursor protein (APP) that can aggregate to form plaques.

Biomarker: a measurable indicator of a biological state or condition. Biomarkers are often used in medicine and research to detect or monitor the presence, progress, or severity of a disease, as well as to assess the effectiveness of a treatment.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF): an ultrafiltrate of plasma contained within the ventricles of the brain and the subarachnoid spaces of the brain and spinal cord.

Cytokine: a protein that serves as a signalling molecule among immune system cells. Cytokines are classified into interleukins, interferons, tumour necrosis factors (TNF), chemokines, colony-stimulating factors, and transforming growth factors. Depending on their role in the immune response, cytokines can be categorized as pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory.

Fluid Biomarker: a measure of disease obtained from bodily fluids, such as blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), urine, sweat, tears, etc.

Neurodegeneration: a complex, multifactorial process resulting in the loss of neurons.

Neurofilament Light (NfL; NF-L): one of four subunits of neurofilaments, which are proteins found in neurons that provide structure and shape; the neurofilament light level in blood and CSF can serve as marker of neuro-axonal damage.

Neuroinflammation: an inflammatory response within the central nervous system (CNS), primarily involving the activation of microglia and astrocytes. This process can be triggered by various factors, including infections, traumatic brain injury, toxic metabolites, and autoimmune diseases.  

Plasma: the liquid portion of blood, obtained after removing blood cells but retaining clotting factors; used in many biomarker analyses.

Serum: the fluid portion of blood collected after clotting has occurred, lacking clotting factors but rich in proteins and analytes.

Tau: a protein that plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability and function of neurons in the brain. It is predominantly found in neurons, where it stabilizes microtubules, which are part of the cell's cytoskeleton. Microtubules are essential for maintaining cell shape, enabling intracellular transport, and facilitating cellular division. Hyperphosphorylation of tau is evident in various neurodegenerative diseases, where the abnormally phosphorylated molecules lead to the detachment of tau from the microtubules. These detached tau proteins can aggregate to form insoluble fibrils, known as neurofibrillary tangles. Diseases impacted by tau aggregation are called tauopathies, and include Alzheimer's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and corticobasal degeneration.

Translational Biomarker: a robust indicator of a biological state or process that is measurable in both animal models and humans.