Summary
To be able to answer many current research questions, the focus of proteomics is shifting from identifying as many proteins as possible to the detailed characterization of selected proteins or protein complexes. To allow the in-depth analysis of the wide variety of proteins and the complexes they are part of, tools need to be developed that allow easier analysis and preferably automation of as many of the steps in the characterization process. A promising approach for the automation and integration of many of these steps, including for example chemical labeling for quantitative analysis and phosphopeptide enrichment, is the use of microfluidic devices which integrate the necessary components. This technique was pioneered together with NPC partner Agilent Technologies, in the shape of prototype HPLC-Chips for the enrichment of phosphopeptides. This project will extend the possibilities for existing microfluidic devices and explore new Chip designs to allow for example on-chip isotopic labeling of peptides to extend the detail in which specific, targeted, subproteomes can be analyzed (semi)-automatically.