The Gel Microdrop (GMD) Secretion Assay rapidly identifies cells that secrete a protein of interest. Viable, high-secreting or rare cells can be isolated and recovered using fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS). Please click here for more information on the GMD Protein Secretion Assay and FACS.
Encapsulated cells are analyzed or recovered using flow cytometry based on the amount of protein captured in each GMD. The capture and detection is analogous to the sandwich antibody format used in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), however, the immunoreaction itself takes place within the agarose microsphere, leaving the encapsulated cell intact. A schematic representation of the GMD secretion assay is depicted below.