Proteomics-protein profiling technology: the trend towards a microfabricated toolbox concept

The use of mono-crystalline silicon microstructures for high-speed and high sensitivity protein mapping and protein identification is presented as an important contribution within the field of proteomics. The various approaches for handling minute amounts of protein sample are described. Piezoelectric dispensing units developed in-house are being used for sample-handling and the generation of 60-pl droplets, interfacing with high-density microchip MALDI-TOF MS target plates having an array density of 4000 nanovials/square inch. Examples of applications to microtechnology, and future trends in our research are outlined. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved