Multiplex microsphere‐based flow cytometric platforms for protein analysis and their application in clinical proteomics – from assays to results

Abstract

Advances in high‐throughput screening, together with rapid progress in genomic and proteomic sciences, have considerably stimulated the development of a variety of biomarker discovery tools and have contributed to the improvement of clinical diagnosis. Major challenges include the obtaining of high‐quality data sets based on assays that are rapid, reliable, and inexpensive, but still highly sensitive and easy to perform. The microsphere‐based flow cytometric technology is a platform that is currently entering the diagnostic market. This article reviews the development and the applications of microsphere‐based flow cytometric platforms in basic and applied proteomic research, and discusses bead‐based assays used in clinical applications.