Comparative benefits
When the next experiment requires another sample matrix, successive binding measurements or work outside the laboratory, the assay must suit those conditions. VICA™ combines selected solid-phase and solution-phase formats with a portable reader, giving teams more flexibility in how and where they investigate interactions. A Pavonis-run study also provides access to those measurements when purchasing a dedicated instrument would be difficult to justify.
Study options
Binding comparison or relative ranking under the same study conditions
Comparisons across selected solid-phase and solution-phase formats or sample matrices
Sequential binding measurements in a suitable assay
Multiple experiments on one slide, with reuse where the assay supports it
A small-sample study, with volume requirements confirmed for the target and format
A Pavonis-run pilot or service study using the agreed assays
An application-specific VICA™ assay and portable platform for field research
Which of these studies is suitable depends on your samples and the sensitivity, throughput and measurements required. Comparing those requirements with your existing assay provides a study-specific basis for choosing a method.
Limited material
With limited research material, the volume required by an assay can determine which comparisons are practical. VICA™ studies use small samples to investigate interactions across selected formats and conditions, with the volume confirmed for your assay before work begins.
Pavonis performs those measurements in a pilot study, allowing your team to compare the findings with its existing results. This provides a way to evaluate VICA™ without purchasing a reader.
Shared surface
When experiments use different slides, differences in the surfaces can also influence binding. VICA™ allows multiple experiments on one slide and reuse in suitable assays, helping keep the surface consistent while researchers investigate changes in reagents or conditions.
Equipment and location
A binding experiment can require more than the assay itself: access to an instrument, trained operators and time in a specialist laboratory can determine whether the work is practical. For a service study, Pavonis provides the experimental capability and returns the agreed measurements, so your team can evaluate the results without establishing that capability in-house.
Where samples need to be tested on site, VICA™’s colour-active slides and compact optical reader make a different arrangement possible. Pavonis can develop a suitable test and supply the platform for your team to use in its research setting. That keeps the measurement close to the work when sending samples away would delay the answer.
Method selection
Within its research role, VICA™ can be considered alongside SPR and BLI, which are also label-free interaction methods.
SPR and BLI may be alternatives or complementary methods, including in early binding studies. Their use depends on the experiment’s technical requirements rather than a fixed sequence in which VICA™ comes first.
Evidence
Peer-reviewed publications describe VICA™’s methods in selected research applications, with the experimental details needed to examine the findings. Alongside those papers, our Example Data Package presents anonymized assay examples that illustrate the available readouts and formats.
Assay comparison
Compare VICA™ with ELISA, BLI/SPR and dot blot across measurements, sample flexibility, equipment and workflow.
| VICA™ comparison | VICA™ | ELISA | BLI/SPR | Dot blot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kinetics | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | × |
| Affinity | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Quantitative | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | × |
| Label-free | ✓ | × | ✓ | × |
| Sample type flexibility | High | Medium | High | Low |
| Ease of use | High | Low | Medium | Medium |
| Cost | Low | Medium | High | Low |
| Portable | ✓ | × | × | ✓ |
| Storage | Long | Medium | Short | Medium |
| Ability to multiplex | ✓ | ✓ | × | ✓ |
| Sample cartridges required | No | 96-well plates | Yes | No |
| Sensitivity | 1–10 ng | 1–10 ng | 0.1–1 ng | 10–100 ng |
| Time to results | <15 min | 2 hours–overnight | Real-time | 2 hours–overnight |
Tell us which assay you use and what you want to measure, including any difficulties with the current experiment. With the sample type and available material, we can assess whether a VICA™ study could provide the additional measurements you need.
