Microfluidics in macro-biomolecules analysis: macro inside in a nano world |
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Authors: | Iuliana Oita Hadewych Halewyck Bert Thys Bart Rombaut Yvan Vander Heyden Debby Mangelings |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Analytical Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology, Center for Pharmaceutical Research (CePhaR), Vrije Universiteit Brussel-VUB, Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, 1090, Belgium;(2) Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology & Molecular Biology, Center for Pharmaceutical Research (CePhaR), Vrije Universiteit Brussel-VUB, Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, 1090, Belgium; |
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Abstract: | Use of microfluidic devices in the life sciences and medicine has created the possibility of performing investigations at
the molecular level. Moreover, microfluidic devices are also part of the technological framework that has enabled a new type
of scientific information to be revealed, i.e. that based on intensive screening of complete sets of gene and protein sequences.
A deeper bioanalytical perspective may provide quantitative and qualitative tools, enabling study of various diseases and,
eventually, may offer support for the development of accurate and reliable methods for clinical assessment. This would open
the way to molecule-based diagnostics, i.e. establish accurate diagnosis and disease prognosis based on identification and/or
quantification of biomacromolecules, for example proteins or nucleic acids. Finally, the development of disposable and portable
devices for molecule-based diagnosis would provide the perfect translation of the science behind life-science research into
practical applications dedicated to patients and health practitioners. This review provides an analytical perspective of the
impact of microfluidics on the detection and characterization of bio-macromolecules involved in pathological processes. The
main features of molecule-based diagnostics and the specific requirements for the diagnostic devices are discussed. Further,
the techniques currently used for testing bio-macromolecules for potential diagnostic purposes are identified, emphasizing
the newest developments. Subsequently, the challenges of this type of application and the status of commercially available
devices are highlighted, and future trends are noted. |
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