Improved assay method for protein/peptide arrays

Arrays are useful for analyte determinations in whole blood, serum, and other bodily fluids, for medical diagnostics and many biomedical applications. There are many different types of arrays for detecting protein binding. Common procedures for these arrays includes first binding the sample, washing and then incubating with a detection molecule. There is a risk of losing detection molecules with every wash or incubation step. Further, the conditions that optimize the secondary binding cannot be varied independently of primary sample binding conditions. These difficulties and costs associate with producing, processing and screening arrays limits their applicability to large scale proteomic studies. Prof. Stephen Johnston at the Biodesign Institute of Arizona State University has developed improved processes for assaying array backgrounds. The improved protocol allows optimization of washing of the primary antibody binding through washes, independent of the optimal conditions for secondary binding. The incubation and wash steps can be independently tailored for each detection reagent without degrading the quality of interactions between the biopolymers and the sample. These improved processes allow for independent optimization of incubation and wash step for each detection reagent, making them highly advantageous over standard processing methods. Potential Applications Improved array processing oLarge scale proteomic studies oDiagnostics oBiomarker discovery oImmunosignatures Benefits and Advantages The primary binding/washing conditions can be varied independently of the secondary binding Easy to follow protocol Low cost Reduces loss of detection molecules No degradation of the quality of the interactions between capture agent and sample Dowload Original PDF For more information about the inventor(s) and their research, please see Dr. Johnstons directory webpage