StudiesThe Tools and Techniques of Protein Science: Protein Biomolecular Interactions (in vitro methods) The Science Advisory Board's study, "In Vitro Biomolecular Interactions" reports on two cutting-edge areas of investigation in protein and proteomic research: protein microarrays and microfluidics lab-on-a-chip. It is the eighth in an eight-part series of studies entitled, "The Tools & Techniques of Protein Science Catalyzing the Future of Proteomics." The opinions of 354 protein scientists interested in studying protein-protein interactions are expressed in this study, which was conducted at the Science Advisory Board's Website, www.scienceboard.net. Protein chip technology is a novel and powerful tool for high throughput assays of protein expression profiling, protein-protein interaction and enzyme activity. Currently only 8% of protein scientists employ this technology, although 41% have plans to use it within 12 months. They state that a faster analysis time is the major factor influencing their decision to embrace microarrays in their protein research. Interestingly, for slightly over half of the researchers who have no plans to use the technology at all, a belief that it is not necessary for their research prevails. Protein microarrays will permit researchers to scan thousands of proteins in a variety of proteomic experiments, including comparing differential expression, assessing protein-protein interactions, analyzing protein function and identification of protein biomarkers. One disadvantage of the microarray approach, however, is that generally it is a "closed" system - one can only measure proteins for which one has a capturing agent. Chromatography and electrophoresis approaches, on the other hand are more amenable to the discovery of novel proteins. When performed on a microspcopic level using microfluidics, these traditional approaches have become powerful new tools in accelerating the pace of proteomics research. Microfluidics is the ability to move, mix, pump and control fluids on a microscopic level. The use of microfluidic-based lab chips (i.e., lab-on-a-chip) is expected to enable protein scientists to increase the precision and accuracy of their research while performing reactions at a faster rate. "This can all be accomplished less expensively and with less handling than traditional assay and sample preparation formats, even though the resultant lower power consumption and reduced waste streams are not major advantages for researchers," according to Dr. Tamara Zemlo, Director of Scientific & Medical Communications at The Science Advisory Board. Currently only 6% of protein scientists use microfluidics technology for protein research and another 20% have plans to use it within the next 12 months. The Science Advisory Board is an online panel of more than 6,200 scientists, physicians and other life science and medical professionals from 62 countries. By convening electronically, Science Advisory Board members participate in online studies to voice their opinions on issues that directly affect the evolution and development of the tools and techniques of their professions. If you are interested in participating in other studies on the tools and techniques of your profession, please register for our Research Panel at http://www.scienceboard.net/register, or contact Molly Scott, Membership Coordinator, for The Science Advisory Board at m.scott@scienceboard.net for membership information and study details. Your identity and personal information will be held in the strictest confidence, and you will receive compensation for any studies in which you choose to participate. [ View Current & Future Studies ] [ View Past Studies ] |
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