New directions of miniaturization within the biomarker 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 play 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.