Miniaturization: Chip-based liquid chromatography and proteomics

Proteomic research is linked with significant technological challenges such as the high dynamic range and low abundance of biologically interesting proteins. Moreover, there is an increasing need for high-throughput and robustness of routinely performed analyses. Solving these difficulties requires refinements in the capability to fractionate and prepare biological samples as well as improvements in speed, automation, separation power and overall analytical sensitivity.Recent innovations in microfluidic devices with integrated on-chip sample enrichment, liquid chromatography and electrospray emitters and their applicability for specific proteomic applications are presented in this review.

Section editors:Harald John – Bundeswehr Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Munich, GermanyRainer Bischoff – Centre of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, The Netherlands