[AFM-based technologies as the way towards the reverse Avogadro number]

Area of Science:

• Proteomics
• Nanotechnology
• Biophysics

Context:

• Modern proteomics aims to detect proteins at the reverse Avogadro number concentration.
• Existing methods face limitations in sensitivity and specificity for ultra-trace protein detection.

Purpose:

• To review nanotechnological methods for achieving ultra-low protein detection limits.
• To discuss the capabilities of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and nanowire detectors in protein analysis.
• To evaluate the efficiency and practical implementation of protein fishing techniques.

Summary:

• Nanotechnological approaches, including AFM-based fishing and nanowire detectors, are explored for approximating the reverse Avogadro number in protein detection.
• AFM demonstrates the ability to detect, count, and characterize proteins at concentrations as low as 10(-17)-10(-18) M.
• Combining AFM-fishing with mass spectrometry allows protein identification in complex biological fluids like serum, with potential enhancements using SOMAmers.

Impact:

• Advances in nanotechnological protein detection are crucial for the future development of proteomics.
• These methods offer enhanced sensitivity for identifying biomarkers and understanding biological processes.
• The review provides criteria for evaluating fishing-based detection systems and discusses practical implementation challenges.