Multiplex platforms in diagnostics and bioanalytics

Abstract

In recent years, significant progress has been made in the field of multi-parameter analysis for diagnostics and bioanalytical applications. That is not only true for the technological approaches, which have been achieved; it is also the case with respect to new biomarkers available now for integration in multiplex systems providing a higher relevance of information. These efforts have already become important for laboratory medicine in terms of improved screening approaches as well as cost efficiency. This may prospectively also influence the opportunities for stratifying patient cohorts in personalized medicine. The development of new platforms capable of multiplex analysis is a multidisciplinary process, including transduction principles, biofunctionalization, recognition elements, microfluidics, data processing, chemometrics, etc. For example, biochip-based systems still provide a solid basis for such analysis of multiple parameters. However, the need for sample preparation and application—especially at the point of need—is often solved inadequately. Here, microfluidic systems offer simple and fast solutions to integrate sampling and transport to the place of analysis. This is also reflected in the current special paper collection of ABC. In addition to standard methods like reading a fluorescent signal, readout of electrical signals becomes more and more interesting. There are promising developments in the field of micro-ring resonators, which combine optics, micro-electronics, and biology in an amazing technological cross-over approach. Through silicon-based technology, these resonators can be conveniently prepared in large batches and offer the possibility of carrying out several analyses—in parallel and even in smallest space. However, any diagnostic or related bioanalytical technology also depends on the availability of robust and standardized biomarkers used for analysis. These must be sufficiently specific to minimize false-positive and false-negative results. The motto here is: a lot does not help much, especially according to the real demand of the clinical routine lab. The use of multiple biomarkers does not automatically increase specificity. This is particularly significant with the analysis of samples without sufficient initial suspicion, as seen in the screening of actually inconspicuous people. In this case, the probability of obtaining a false-positive result is much larger since the actual number of affected patients Published in the topical collection Multiplex Platforms in Diagnostics and Bioanalytics with guest editors Gunter Peine and Gunther Proll.