Multiplex immunofluorescence services
Connect multiple protein markers to the cells that express them. Start with clinically characterized FFPE tissue and TMAs from TriStar’s repository, then add multiplex immunofluorescence staining, image analysis and pathology guidance around your oncology study.
THE INTEGRATED SERVICES APPROACH
Samples, services and pathology expertise through one partner
Repository samples
Selected for your study
- Fewer handoffs
- Spend less time coordinating samples and additional work across providers.
- Pathology-informed decisions
- Connect tissue suitability, assay selection and interpretation.
- Coordinated sample use
- Plan tissue allocation and laboratory work together, with one point of contact.
MULTIPLE MARKERS · ONE TISSUE SECTION
Study protein expression in its cellular context
Multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) uses antibody-based fluorescent staining to detect multiple protein targets within the same tissue section. It can connect marker co-expression with cell identity and location, helping you investigate the tumor microenvironment while retaining tissue architecture.
Marker co-expression
Examine whether selected targets are detected in the same cells, using the marker combinations defined for your study.
Immune-cell phenotyping
Investigate immune populations alongside tumor cells and the surrounding tissue.
Tumor and stromal compartments
Compare the distribution of marker-positive cells across the tissue regions relevant to your question.
Treatment-defined comparisons
Connect tissue measurements with the treatment history, response and follow-up fields available for the selected cohort.
PLAN THE ASSAY AROUND THE QUESTION
From tissue selection to multiplex analysis
Define the cohort, marker panel and analysis together. The platform, marker compatibility and reporting scope are confirmed for each project.
01 · TISSUE & COHORT
Select the study material
Review indication, histology, treatment groups and available donor records. Consider tissue morphology, the regions of interest and how much material is needed for controls and study testing.
02 · PANEL & STAINING
Define the marker combination
Discuss the proteins and cell populations you need to resolve, with antibody compatibility, controls and tissue autofluorescence considered in assay planning. An optimized single-marker IHC assay does not automatically establish performance in a multiplex panel.
03 · IMAGING & READOUTS
Agree the measurements
Scope imaging and analysis around the study question: marker-positive cell counts, co-expression, tissue compartments or spatial relationships. Confirm phenotype definitions, reporting units and pathology review before analysis.
Explore complementary IHC assay development and digital image analysis.
FFPE SECTIONS & TISSUE MICROARRAYS
Start with the tissue and clinical context your study needs
Select materials for the biological comparison, then assess suitability for the proposed multiplex assay. Existing molecular data, additional staining and clinical-field coverage are reviewed separately.
COHORT SCREENING
Tissue microarrays
Compare selected markers across multiple donors using defined tissue cores. Plan core location and replication around heterogeneity; a core samples only part of a tumor and may need whole-section follow-up.
Explore tissue microarraysREGIONAL CONTEXT
FFPE whole-tissue sections
Retain a broader view of tissue architecture when tumor borders, stromal regions or local immune organization are central to the study. Discuss available blocks and section requirements for the selected cohort.
Explore FFPE tissueTISSUE COLLECTIONS
Explore starting points for an mIF study
These collections provide relevant tissue and study context. Multiplex panel feasibility and current material availability are confirmed for your request.
Multi-tumor IO array set
A set of six TMAs with 1 mm cores from tumor and invasive-edge regions.
NSCLC
Optional RNA-seq, GeoMx protein/RNA and DAB IHC data.
PUBLISHED RESEARCH
Multiplex studies using TriStar tissue and data
Research examples connect multiplex protein measurements with clinically characterized tissue. They illustrate study-specific methods and collaborations; the panels and findings are not a standard service specification or a validated clinical predictor.
Research & references
Selected research examples
Author affiliations
Ultivue
OracleBio
+1 more organizations
TriStar Technology Group
Author affiliations
Enable Medicine- TriStar Technology Group
Organizations are identified from author affiliations, patent records and report credits. Their inclusion does not imply a partnership with or endorsement of TriStar.
STUDY PLANNING
Multiplex immunofluorescence questions
How is multiplex immunofluorescence different from IHC?
Both use antibodies to study proteins in tissue. Conventional chromogenic IHC commonly assesses a target with a visible stain; multiplex IF uses fluorescent labels to distinguish several targets in the same section. Choose the method around the marker combination, localization question and required analysis.
Can FFPE tissue and TMAs be used for multiplex IF?
Yes, multiplex IF can be applied to FFPE tissue sections and tissue microarrays. Suitability depends on the tissue, fixation, antigen preservation and proposed panel. TriStar reviews repository material and assay requirements together rather than assuming every block or array is suitable.
Which markers and how many targets can I include?
Share your proposed markers and the cell populations you want to distinguish. The compatible marker combination, platform, controls and achievable panel size need project-specific review. TriStar’s IHC assay library is a starting point for a discussion, not a list of pre-validated multiplex panels.
How does multiplex IF relate to digital spatial profiling?
Multiplex IF produces fluorescence images that can resolve protein expression and cell phenotypes in tissue. Region-based digital spatial profiling, such as GeoMx, measures selected protein or RNA targets in defined regions. The approaches address different readout needs; discuss the biological question before selecting a method.
What should I include in an inquiry?
Include your cancer indication, cohort or treatment groups, approximate sample count, preferred tissue format, marker list and analysis goals. Indicate the clinical or molecular data you need and whether you are interested in repository tissue, additional assays or both. These details help define feasibility and a project-specific scope.
For regional protein or RNA measurements, explore digital spatial profiling.
Work with our experienced scientific team to tailor biospecimens, data, and integrated services to your research needs.
Our approach begins with our customers’ science.
We focus our acquisition on patient cohorts that meet the needs of biopharma, clinical, and translational researchers.
Plan your study
Plan your multiplex immunofluorescence study
Share your indication, cohort size, tissue format and marker list, together with the cell populations or spatial measurements you need. We’ll review repository options, available donor data and the additional assay and analysis scope.