Nanomaterials in protein sample preparation

Abstract

Protein sample preparation is the most critical step in protein analysis of complex samples and is constituted by tedious, time-consuming, and difficult-to-automate steps that usually involve the use of high volumes of solvents. In recent years, novel extraction or digestion nanomaterials (NMs) have been developed aiming to overcome these drawbacks. In this review, we have grouped the recent works related to the development of new NMs and their applications to the extraction, enrichment/purification, and digestion of proteins. This paper evaluates the role of different kinds of NMs in each step of protein sample preparation focusing on the type of established interaction between the protein and the nanomaterial, their sensitivity and selectivity, their adsorption capacity, and the advantages that they bring in relation to time, efficiency, or reusability.