Hu Y., Tasciotti E., Bouamrani A., Liu X., Li L., Liu X., Ferrari M.
The University of Texas at Austin, US
Keywords: low molecular weight proteome, nanoporous silica thin film
In this study, the nanoporous silica thin films (NSTF) were chosen for the reproducible fractionation and selective binding of the serum-based low molecular weight proteome (LMWP). It has been recognized that the collection of LMWP in serum can extend our ability to obtain early warning information in the diagnosis of diseases, such as cancer and coronary artery disease. However, the profiling of LMWP remained an incredible technical challenge due to the extremely high dynamic range of protein concentration in serum and the interference of highly abundant proteins. The nanotexture of NSTF made this novel material a powerful tool in selectively gathering and concentrating LMWP in serum. In the synthetic chemistry of NSTF, we were able to control their morphologies, pore structures and surface affinity by selecting starting materials and experimental condictions. With the assistance of mass spectroscopy and bioinformatics, as a means of detecting and assessing the extracted proteins, we discussed the effect of NSTFs with various physical/chemical properties on specific low-mass protein’s recovery. The controllable characteristics in nanophase of NSTF extend the scope of screening LMWP in human serum and provided the significant promise to explore the potential of our novel nanotechnology for proteomic-based biomarkers discovery.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Nanotechnology 2009: Biofuels, Renewable Energy, Coatings, Fluidics and Compact Modeling
Published: May 3, 2009
Pages: 238 - 241
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topic: Coatings, Surfaces & Membranes
ISBN: 978-1-4398-1784-1