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Disruptive by design: a perspective on engineering in analytical chemistry.
1The UC Berkeley/UCSF Graduate Program in Bioengineering, Berkeley, California, United States. aeh@berkeley.edu
Analytical Chemistry
|August 9, 2013
Summary
Biological sciences face data limitations due to expensive protein analysis, unlike abundant DNA sequencing data. Improving protein measurement requires iterative engineering design for advancements in targeted proteomics.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Proteomics
- Measurement Science
Background:
- The biological sciences are paradoxically data-limited, particularly in high-throughput protein analysis.
- Current protein analysis methods are expensive and inaccessible, contrasting with the wealth of DNA sequencing data.
- Inadequate access to robust protein-level data hinders biological research and discovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and understand challenges in 21st-century measurement science using a formal engineering design process framework.
- To highlight the need for protein analyses comparable in effectiveness and impact to genomics tools.
- To emphasize the importance of iterative design in advancing targeted proteomics capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Application of the formal engineering design process to analyze measurement science challenges.
- Case study focusing on protein biomarker validation and verification.
- Discussion of novel targeted proteomic measurement tools based on microfluidic design, presented at the 16th International Conference on Miniaturized Systems for Chemistry and Life Sciences (μTAS 2012).
Main Results:
- Identified significant challenges in realizing protein analyses as effective as genomics tools.
- Highlighted the critical role of iterative design in achieving substantial advances in targeted proteomics.
- Emphasized the gap in rapid prototyping tools for microfluidic-based separation techniques.
Conclusions:
- Iterative engineering design is crucial for overcoming data limitations in biological sciences, particularly in proteomics.
- Advancements in targeted proteomics measurement capabilities are essential for biological discovery.
- Addressing unmet needs and improving prototyping tools for microfluidic separations will accelerate progress in protein analysis.
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