What Is Olink Proteomics ?
- Dual-Antibody Recognition: each target protein is recognized by a specific pair of antibodies, each conjugated to a unique DNA oligonucleotide;
- Proximity Extension Reaction: when both antibodies bind to the same protein, the DNA probes are brought into proximity and extended to form a new DNA strand;
- qPCR or NGS-Based Detection: the resulting DNA product is amplified, and the signal intensity quantitatively reflects the target protein’s abundance.
- Sample Processing and Quality Control: supports plasma, serum, cerebrospinal fluid, and cell culture supernatant
- Platform Selection and Panel Recommendation: guidance on optimal panel combinations tailored to specific research objectives
- Data Analysis and Interpretation: end-to-end analytical services covering NPX normalization, differential expression analysis, pathway enrichment, and machine learning modeling
- Clinical Research Support: assistance in cohort design, follow-up management, and ethical compliance
Proteins are the fundamental effectors of biological processes, playing central roles in activities ranging from signal transduction to metabolic regulation. In basic research, the investigation of disease mechanisms and biomarker discovery, proteomics has become an indispensable and powerful analytical approach. However, mass spectrometry-based proteomics (e.g., DDA/DIA) still faces several challenges, including:
(1) Limited Sensitivity: difficulty in detecting low-abundance cytokines or extracellular signaling molecules
(2) Poor Inter-Batch Reproducibility: hindering reliable interpretation of large cohorts and clinical samples
(3) Restricted Throughput: trade-offs between the number of proteins and the number of samples measurable per run
To address these limitations, Olink proteomics technology was developed, integrating antibody specificity with nucleic acid amplification to deliver a solution offering higher throughput, superior sensitivity, and improved reproducibility.
What Is Olink Proteomics?
Olink Proteomics is a high-throughput protein quantification platform developed by the Swedish company Olink, based on the Proximity Extension Assay (PEA) technology. It enables the simultaneous quantification of 92 to over 3000 proteins using as little as 1 μL of sample, making it particularly suitable for precise measurement of low-abundance, signaling-level proteins.
The PEA technology comprises three main steps:
This principle combines the high specificity of antibody-based detection with the high sensitivity of nucleic acid amplification, providing a dynamic detection range spanning several orders of magnitude.
Advantages and Application Scenarios
1. Ultra-Low Sample Requirement (1 μL)
Ideal for precious or limited samples such as pediatric plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, or animal model specimens.
2. High Sensitivity and Broad Dynamic Range
Covers concentrations from femtogram to nanogram per milliliter, making it well-suited for quantifying cytokines, hormones, and other low-abundance biomarkers.
3. Excellent Inter-Batch Reproducibility
By employing NPX (Normalized Protein Expression) values, Olink ensures high comparability between batches, facilitating clinical cohort and multi-center investigations.
4. Comprehensive Panel Options
The platform provides thematic panels for inflammation, cardiovascular disease, tumor immunology, neurology, metabolism, and organ injury, as well as the integrated Explore platform capable of analyzing over 3000 proteins per assay.
Comparison Between Olink Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomics
Olink does not replace mass spectrometry but rather complements it, offering superior performance in contexts where high precision and sensitivity are required for quantitative proteomics.
Olink Solutions by MtoZ Biolabs
As a comprehensive multi-omics service provider, MtoZ Biolabs has established an integrated workflow for Olink proteomics, including:
With its exceptional sensitivity, throughput, and robustness, Olink proteomics is transforming both fundamental and translational biomedical research. From early biomarker discovery to mechanistic validation, and from single-center studies to large multi-cohort integrations, Olink brings a new paradigm of precision and efficiency to proteomics research. Researchers interested in implementing Olink-based studies or seeking guidance on sample handling, panel selection, or data analysis are encouraged to contact the MtoZ Biolabs technical team for tailored consultation and project support.
MtoZ Biolabs, an integrated chromatography and mass spectrometry (MS) services provider.
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