MICROPROTEOMICS: New microfluidic-mass spectrometry technologies for high performance proteomics

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 01.0182-2

Key words (English)

Microchips; nanospray; proteomics;
Biotechnology; Life Sciences; Medicine; Health; Scientific Research

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: QLRT-2000-01903

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 5. Frame Research Programme - 1.1.8 Generic R&D activities

Short description (English)

See abstract

Partners and International Organizations (English)

Coordinator: University of Konstanz (D)

Abstract (English)

This proposal aims at providing high performance proteome analysis by developing a fully automated system based on integrated microfluidics. Biological fluids will be prefractionated by protein isoelectric points using mini-segmented focusing chambers. Proteins will then be automatically driven into a microchip to be separated according to mass and affinity in micro sieving matrices, and injected into a high resolution mass spectrometer by a microchip-nanoelectrospray interface.

This platform includes innovations in prefractionation, protein micro separation, matrices, microfluidics and MS interface; it will increase range and selectivity of proteome analysis, and improve analysis speed, sample economy and cost effectiveness. Initial applications will be assessed as model tasks. In the longer term, these technologies will also lead to improved minaturised tools for protein-based diagnostics.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 01.0182-2