Electrochemical biochips for protein analysis

Abstract

Proteins bear important functions for most life processes. It is estimated that the human proteome comprises more than 250000 proteins. Over the last years, highly sophisticated and powerful instruments have been developed that allow their detection and characterization with great precision and sensitivity. However, these instruments need well-equipped laboratories and a well-trained staff. For the determination of proteins in a hospital, in a doctor's office, or at home, low-budget protein analysis methods are needed that are easy to perform. In addition, for a proteomic approach, highly parallel measurements with small sample sizes are required. Biochips are considered as promising tools for such applications. The following chapter describes electrochemical biochips for protein analysis that use antibodies or aptamers as recognition elements.