Microwave-assisted proteomics

State-of-the-art proteomic analysis has recently undergone a rapid evolution; with more high-throughput analytical instrumentation and informatic tools available, sample preparation is becoming one of the rate-limiting steps in protein characterization workflows. Recently several protocols have appeared in the literature that employ microwave irradiation as a tool for the preparation of biological samples for subsequent mass spectrometric characterization. Techniques for microwave-assisted biocatalyzed reactions (including sample reduction and alkylation, enzymatic and chemical digestion, removal and analysis of post-translational modifications and characterization of enzymes and protein-interaction sites) are described. This review summarizes the various approaches undertaken, instrumentation employed, and reduction in overall experimental time observed when microwave assistance is applied. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.