Estapor® microspheres

Magnetic, white, dyed or fluorescent, Estapor® microspheres are key components for reagent producers in clinical diagnostics, life sciences, food and environmental industries. They are highly characterized, customizable, and designed with key features to ideally meet the needs of IVD manufacturers. Explore Merck's range of lateral flow microspheres, including colored microspheres for simple qualitative or semi-quantitative readings as well as fluorescent and magnetic microspheres for quantitative assays.

In this application note, Merck presents the new Estapor® Europium Microspheres for improved lateral flow applications over traditional fluorescent microspheres.

In this application note, a general two-step covalent coupling protocol for the conjugation of proteins to Estapor® carboxyl modified microspheres using EDC and Sulfo-NHS is presented.

This application note is intended to support the in vitro diagnostics (IVD) manufacturer in choosing the detector particle that is compatible with their needs by comparing the use of Estapor® and Europium fluorescent microspheres.

For the last 25 years, Estapor® microspheres have been the top choice for many lateral flow diagnostic test manufacturers. Used in millions of assays made by internationally known brands, Millipore Sigma's microspheres are adapted to both manual and automated platforms. They are highly characterized, customizable, and designed with key features to ideally meet the needs of IVD manufacturers.

Friday, January 30 at 16:00 GMT | 17:00 CET | 11:00 EST | 8:00 PST

Multiplex lateral flow assays enable multiple answers from a single test, reducing time, cost, and workflow complexity, but success depends on selecting the right detector particle.

In this 20-minute SelectScience TechTalk, experts explain how Estapor® Color Intense microspheres deliver vivid, clearly distinguishable test lines, enhanced visual sensitivity, and high specificity without cross-reactivity. Attendees will gain practical guidance and clear selection criteria to choose the most effective reporter particle for their multiplex LFA assay.

This TechTalk is part two of a seven-part expert-led TechTalk series on essential topics in LFA development. Register to watch live or on-demand and receive exclusive invitations to upcoming sessions.

Would you like to request a free lateral flow membrane sample? Choose between the 2 mil or 4 mil backing options and discover how Merck membranes can elevate your lateral flow test development!

Key learning objectives:

• Understand how multiplexing facilitates the detection of multiple analytes simultaneously, enhancing efficiency and clinical decision-making.
• Recognize the importance of utilizing high-quality antibodies, labels, and membranes to achieve optimal assay sensitivity and specificity.
• Learn strategies for optimizing multiplex assays to ensure consistency and adherence to regulatory standards, resulting in reliable outcomes

Who should attend?

This Tech Talk is designed for professionals involved in the development and manufacturing of diagnostics, including researchers, assay developers, and quality control specialists. It is particularly beneficial for those seeking to deepen their understanding of Lateral Flow Assays and improve their assay development processes.

Certificate of attendance
If you attend the live TechTalk, you will automatically receive a certificate of attendance, including a learning outcomes summary, for continuing education purposes.

If you view the on-demand TechTalk, you can request a certificate of attendance by emailing editor@selectscience.net.

TechTalk details

• Cost: Free to attend
• Location: Online
• Duration: 20 minutes

Registration is required to secure your place. If you register but can’t attend live, you will receive a link to the on‑demand recording once it becomes available

The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the landscape of diagnostic testing, emphasizing the need for rapid, accurate, and accessible point-of-care solutions. Known for their simplicity and effectiveness, lateral flow tests use antibodies to detect specific antigens that indicate a certain disease or condition. Explore how the tests involve complex components and raw materials, with Merck providing technical and regulatory expertise in membrane choice and antibody development, ensuring consumer confidence in rapid test results.

Explore how when compared with competing products, the Estapor® red intense microspheres show results significantly faster, within just three minutes. This is due to the improved assay sensitivity and greater signal intensity. Estapor® red intense microspheres also boast easy reading, reproducible results, cost-effectiveness and versatile size beads.

Learn how Merck’s new fit-for-use materials program could alleviate increasing quality and documentation demands on manufacturers

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