New directions of miniaturization within the proteomics research area

An overview of the current trends within protein expression profiling is given where multidimensional separation of both gel- and liquid-phase techniques linked to mass spectrometry is viewed as a major route in the global proteome mapping. A clear trend in these biochemical developments is the effort to sequence and identify low-abundant protein expressions where assay miniaturization and integrated sample processing plays a central role. Two areas of miniaturization within the proteomics field are addressed: (i) sample cleanup and enrichment, and (ii) silicon microstructure developments for protein chip microarrays.