Contributors from medical and technical fields survey some technologies and applications as examples of analytical methods that employ miniaturized systems for medical diagnosis. All the approaches described have matured to the degree that they can be applied in practice by nonexperts, and in some cases are even commercially available. Three types of microchips are considered: DNA microarrays, protein microarrays, and labs-on-chips relating to cell analysis. Chapters introduce each type, then other chapters describe such specifics as genotyping mutation in the beta-globin gene with DNA microarrays, peptide microarrays for serum antibody diagnostics, and detecting entero-pathogenic Escherichia coli using microchip capillary electrophoresis. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
In this new age of science and technology, microchip methods of analysis have developed into an essential tool for biomedical researchers. Microchip Methods in Diagnostics looks at this increasingly miniaturized technology, focusing on DNA microarrays, protein microarrays, and labs-on-chips, and supporting the introduction of new diagnostic methods based on microtechnologies. The work provides a background on the technological aspects of each of these methods, followed by chapters describing the methods with regard to specific applications. Since it uses only those processes which have reached a certain level of maturation, this volume is able to provide approaches that are applicable in practice even by the non-expert. Composed in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, each chapter contains a brief introduction, step-by-step methods, a list of necessary materials, and a Notes section which shares tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.An innovative and cutting-edge work, Microchip Methods in Diagnostics strives to bring the technology of microchips even further into the world of diagnostics, predicting incredible benefits for patients in the years to come.
