What is Micro-Proteomics?

Traditional mass spectrometry-based proteomics demands substantial sample quantities—typically 5×10⁷ cells or tissues weighing at least 30mg. Yet in real research scenarios, many precious biological samples simply cannot meet these requirements. Think of flow-sorted cell populations, primary cultured cells, clinical biopsy tissues, or specialty samples like ocular fluids and vitreous humor.

Figure 1. Data-independent acquisition (DIA)has revolutionized mass spectrometry–based proteomics by yielding unbiased, high-accuracy, and reproducible data. (Source: Fröhlich K, et al. 2024)

Micro-proteomics (Low-Input Proteomics) emerged precisely to address this technical barrier. Through innovative sample preparation techniques and advanced mass spectrometry strategies, we can now extract precise protein identification and quantification from trace-amount samples at the microgram level. This approach excels at capturing low-abundance peptides while dramatically improving detection sensitivity, reproducibility, and analytical depth—opening doors that were previously closed to researchers working with limited, irreplaceable biological material.

Service Offerings

Our micro-proteomics service combines two transformative technologies:

• Data-Independent Acquisition (DIA) Strategy: Unlike traditional data-dependent acquisition (DDA), DIA represents a revolutionary mass spectrometry approach. After capturing precursor ions (MS1), DIA systematically fragments all ions with near-complete signal recovery. This comprehensive acquisition method is particularly powerful for detecting low-abundance peptides, substantially improving spectral quality and identification accuracy for scarce proteins.
• High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Platform: Our service employs next-generation high-resolution mass spectrometers delivering exceptional mass accuracy and resolving power. Even at low concentrations, these instruments precisely differentiate and quantify peptides. Combined with optimized ion transmission and detector sensitivity, we achieve industry-leading detection throughput and analytical depth.

Analyzable Sample Types

Service Advantages

Compared to conventional proteomics approaches, our service delivers remarkable breakthroughs across multiple dimensions. We've drastically reduced sample requirements to just a fraction of traditional demands, enabling analysis of precious clinical samples that were previously off-limits. Our DIA-based strategy dramatically enhances capture efficiency for low-abundance peptides, maintaining exceptional reproducibility while detecting thousands of proteins per analysis—substantially expanding your research capabilities. We support both absolute and relative quantification, post-translational modification analysis, and comprehensive bioinformatics interpretation, with rapid turnaround times and standardized workflows ensuring result consistency and comparability across analyses.

Application

• Precision Medicine and Biomarker Discovery
• Immunology and Inflammation Research
• Drug Development and Evaluation
• Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research
• Fundamental Life Sciences

Considerations

• Maintain sample integrity and minimize freeze-thaw cycles (recommend ≤2 cycles)
• Keep fresh samples at 4°C for no more than 4 hours; otherwise store long-term at -80°C
• Clearly document cell count or protein concentration for cell samples
• Provide comprehensive sample background information (source, collection date, clinical diagnosis)
• Specify experimental design clearly (control groups, treatment groups, sample groupings)
• Note if human-derived samples are involved (requires ethical approval documentation)

Micro-proteomics represents a critical breakthrough in modern bioanalytical technology. By reducing sample requirements to the microgram scale, we've unlocked the door to deep analysis of irreplaceable biological specimens. Whether your research focuses on basic discovery, clinical diagnostics, or drug development target identification, Creative Diagnostics delivers accurate, dependable, and efficient proteomics data support. Leveraging cutting-edge DIA mass spectrometry and standardized analytical workflows, we're committed to helping researchers extract valuable biological insights from trace samples—advancing precision medicine and accelerating the pace of life sciences discovery.