Biomarker Discovery

Biomarkers are essential for cancer and disease diagnosis, prescribing treatment, and monitoring therapeutic effects on patients. Recent advances in approaches such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and cytometry in combination with bioinformatics and biostatistics have made it possible to accelerate the discovery and development of specific biomarkers for complex chronic diseases.

Accelerating Biomaker Discovery Using Automation

Genomics

Many genomic processes, including next-generation sequencing (NGS), are used by researchers for making Biomarker discoveries. Beckman Biomek Genomics Workstations provide liquid handling automation solutions for biomarker discovery, saving time during NGS sample prep while increasing throughput and reducing hands-on time, as well as effective processing of challenging samples, such as formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) and cfDNA.

Proteomics

Mass spectrometry-based protein quantitation provides analytical specificity and sensitivity in quantifying proteins. The Biomek i7 automated workstation allows for automated proteomic sample preparation workflows. Sample preparation for quantitative mass spectrometry analysis involves enzymatic cleavage of proteins into a peptide mixture with numerous sequential incubation and liquid transferring steps: denaturation, reduction, alkylation, and enzymatic cleavage of proteins into a peptide mixture. It is critical that each incubation step is carried out consistently and each liquid transferring step is performed with reproducibility and precision. It is essential to have a highly controlled and standardized digestion method to meet the precision and reproducibility standards essential for reliable biomarker verification.