Abstract
Background: The dissection of biological pathways and of the molecular basis of disease
requires devices to analyze simultaneously a staggering number of protein isoforms in a given
cell under given conditions. Such devices face significant challenges, including the identification
of probe molecules specific for each protein isoform, protein immobilization techniques with
micrometer or submicrometer resolution, and the development of a sensing mechanism
capable of very high-density, highly multiplexed detection.