MACS Matchmaker

Documentation

This manual is intended to guide both novice and experienced users through the principles, implementation, and optimization of Focal Molography (FM) assays. It includes explanations of underlying theory, best practices in chip functionalization and assay design, as well as troubleshooting tips and analysis strategies.

Use this landing page to jump to focused documentation areas. Each section collects the material relevant to that aspect of the MACS Matchmaker platform.

Use the search field to find words and formulas anywhere in the manual; results link to the relevant page.

Getting Started

Your first measurement on the MACS Matchmaker — from powering on to viewing results.

Biomolecular Interaction Analysis (BIA)

Advanced background on binding theory, kinetics, affinity, and model concepts for users who want deeper scientific context.

MACS Matchmaker Concept

Summaries of the MACS Matchmaker platform, reader concept, and high-level workflows.

Backfilling and NSB suppression

What backfilling is, how to choose and tune the backfill probe, and how to verify an affinity-matched chip for measurements in complex media.

How to immobilize my ligand(s)?

Practical guide to choosing an immobilization strategy: amine coupling, capture, click chemistry, and the orientation, density, and reference-channel decisions that shape kinetic data quality.

Instrument Operation

Guidelines for daily operation.

Molographic Chips

Guides for preparing chips, including handling, functionalization steps, and quality controls.

Experiment Design

Guidelines for setting up common experiment types on the MACS Matchmaker platform.

Measurement Workflow

Measurement workflow steps, best practices, and troubleshooting tips for running assays on the MACS Matchmaker.

Data Analysis

Guidelines for data processing and analysis using the MACS Matchmaker software.

Safety & Compliance

Regulatory requirements, safety procedures, and compliance checklists for operating the platform.

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

Maintenance guidelines, operational issues, troubleshooting and quick recovery steps.

Appendix

Glossary, abbreviations, and supplemental reference material.

Tools

Selected tools and utilities to use alongside the MACS Matchmaker workflow.