Optimisation of protein microarray techniques for analysis of the plasma proteome: minimisation of non-specific binding interactions.

Components of the plasma proteome, particularly serum albumin, have been shown to compromise the accuracy of protein microarray technologies through non-specific binding interactions. Optimisation of array conditions is imperative to help address these problems. Here we demonstrate how modifications to array printing conditions and processing methodology can influence the reliability of data output. In particular, we demonstrate that whilst some glycerol is necessary to maintain specific binding signals, it also increases non-specific binding of albumin. Concentrations of 20% glycerol in the printing buffers are therefore recommended. The findings presented here provide opportunities for increased accuracy in plasma protein detection for possible future diagnostic applications.