Sample preparation of body fluids for proteomics analysis

Abstract

This chapter gives an overview of various approaches to sample preparation of body fluids with special emphasis on serum. The methodology is presented in sections covering protein depletion, protein enrichment using affinity ligands, protein chip technology in conjunction with mass spectrometry, and the use of magnetic beads. Since many of these methods are also relevant for other body fluids like urine, applications are highlighted briefly. The last part of the chapter deals with the link between sample preparation and downstream separation methods such as 2D electrophoresis or HPLC. A distinction is made between the analysis of high-molecular-weight proteins (the proteome) and the lower molecular weight part (the peptidome).