Comparative Evaluation of Olink Proteomics Platforms: Explore and Explore HT
The Olink platform has emerged as a widely adopted technology in multiplex proteomics research, offering high throughput, minimal sample requirements, and excellent quantitative accuracy. It is now extensively used in precision medicine, biomarker discovery, and translational clinical studies. Olink currently provides two high-throughput platforms: Explore and Explore HT. Both systems are built upon Olink’s proprietary Proximity Extension Assay (PEA) technology, but differ in throughput capacity, panel design, sensitivity, and optimal application scenarios. This article provides a systematic comparison of the core features of these two platform generations to assist researchers in selecting the most suitable solution for their study needs.
Overview of Core Technologies Underpinning the Olink Platform
1. Principle of PEA Technology
(1) Dual antibody probes specifically bind to the target protein, forming a proximity-dependent complex.
(2) This complex initiates oligonucleotide extension and subsequent DNA amplification.
(3) Quantitative readout is performed using either next-generation sequencing (NGS) or quantitative PCR (qPCR).
2. Key Advantages of the Olink Platform
(1) Enables simultaneous detection of several hundred to several thousand proteins in a single reaction.
(2) Requires only 1–3 μL of plasma or serum per assay.
(3) Demonstrates high inter-batch reproducibility (median coefficient of variation <10%).
(4) Well-suited for biomarker discovery, longitudinal cohort studies, and high-throughput clinical sample analysis.
Explore vs. Explore HT: Comparative Parameters
1. Throughput and Protein Coverage
(1) Explore Platform
① Covers approximately 3,000+ human proteins, encompassing pathways related to inflammation, oncology, cardiovascular, neurology, and metabolism.
② Supports batch processing of 96 to 384 samples per run.
③ Utilizes NGS for detection readout.
(2) Explore HT Platform
① Provides protein coverage comparable to the Explore platform but leverages a chip-based, automated workflow.
② Capable of processing thousands of samples per batch, making it ideal for large-scale cohort studies and clinical trials.
③ Offers a 2–3 fold increase in assay speed compared to the Explore platform.
2. Sensitivity and Dynamic Range
(1) Both platforms are capable of detecting proteins at the femtogram per milliliter (fg/mL) level, with a dynamic range spanning approximately ten orders of magnitude.
(2) Explore HT demonstrates enhanced precision and inter-batch consistency, particularly in the quantification of low-abundance proteins, making it more advantageous for studies focused on low-signal biomarkers.
3. Sample Requirements and Application Scenarios
(1) Both platforms require only 1–3 μL of sample and are compatible with serum, plasma, and selected body fluids.
(2) The Explore platform is better suited for exploratory studies and mechanism-driven research involving moderate sample sizes.
(3) The Explore HT platform is more appropriate for large-scale cohort studies, clinical translational applications, and drug development pipelines.
Choosing the Appropriate Proteomics Platform
1. Key Decision Criteria
(1) Sample Size: For studies involving fewer than several hundred samples, Explore is appropriate; for cohorts exceeding one thousand samples, Explore HT is recommended.
(2) Research Stage: Explore is ideal for early-stage exploratory and mechanistic studies, while Explore HT is preferable for validation studies and research with clinical relevance.
(3) Budget and Timeline: Explore HT offers lower per-sample costs and shorter overall project timelines.
2. MtoZ Biolabs' Service Capabilities
(1) Provides customized experimental solutions based on both Explore and Explore HT platforms.
(2) Offers support in study design, quality control procedures, and delivery of high-quality datasets.
(3) Delivers integrated bioinformatics analyses, generating publication-ready results suitable for manuscript preparation and research grant submissions.
Although based on the same core assay principle, the Olink Explore and Explore HT platforms offer flexible options tailored to different research scales and stages. By combining advanced Olink detection capabilities with robust analytical support, MtoZ Biolabs enables research teams to efficiently drive biomarker discovery, mechanistic investigations, and clinical validation, ultimately accelerating the translation of scientific findings into practical outcomes.
MtoZ Biolabs, an integrated chromatography and mass spectrometry (MS) services provider.
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