Title: Nanotechnology and diagnostics in the age of omics

Authors: Robert D. Barber

Addresses: Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Parkside, 900 Wood Rd, Kenosha, WI 53141-2000, USA

Abstract: High-throughput technologies driving anonymous discovery in various omic fields are being integrated into medical diagnostics. Nanoscale innovations in chip technology, detection capabilities, and molecular imaging provide both stand-alone applications and promise to improve sensitivity, resolution, and detection limits of current methodologies employing micron or larger scale techniques. However, characterisation of valid biomarkers and development of appropriate information technology infrastructure represent apparent bottlenecks for implementation of molecular diagnostics. This review will highlight various technologies at the micron and nano-scales with potential to change medical diagnostics, as well as discuss these potential implementation barriers and current initiatives to address them.

Keywords: genomics; proteomics; pharmacogenomics; biomarkers; biomedical; informatics; medical diagnostics; nanotechnology; omics; information technology.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBET.2009.022910

International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, 2009 Vol.2 No.2, pp.92 - 103

Published online: 03 Feb 2009 *

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