Protein analysis

The need for a new protein-analysis technology

Of the approximately 100,000 proteins commonly found in mammalian tissue, fewer than 5% have a reliable and affordable assay available. The development of reliable methods for analysing proteins is currently slow and complex. 

When identifying and verifying a new assay for a protein, mass spectrometry is likely to be the dominant technology. When progressing research into a protein to determine whether it is a useful biomarker for disease, or has other interesting functions, the researcher is likely to develop an immunoassay – again a long and complex process. In addition, many researchers use gene expression as a surrogate for protein analysis.

Nanopore technology for protein analysis

A direct electronic method of protein-analysis like nanopore sensing can provide benefits for researchers wishing to discover and validate new proteins. The same technology is designed to provide a diagnostic device with high specificity and sensitivity.

This protein-analysis technique is compatible with the Oxford Nanopore MinION, PromethION and GridION systems.