Chip-based microsystems for genomic and proteomic analysis

The field of genomics is being immeasurably altered by the introduction of microsystems in the guise of gene microarrays, There are a number of other microfabricated entities in the literature ranging from single chips for PCR to complete analysis systems. Developments in miniaturised protein analysis, though not as yet as revolutionary as some of those for DNA, are progressing. This review aims to describe the present state-of-the-art of microsystems for use in both these fields, this will include bath microarray- (DNA or protein immobilised on chip) and microfluidic- (DNA or proteins being transported, processed and separated in a transport medium) based microdevices, (C)2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.