Multiplexed Biomolecular Measurements
Material Measurement Laboratory, Biosystems and Biomaterials Division
NIST only participates in the February and August reviews.
Biological systems are inherently complex-the quantitative characterization of the state of such a system requires simultaneous measurement of many properties. Our group is working to develop the measurement science and technology to make multiplexed biomolecular measurements practical, while also working to develop the standards and measurement assurance approaches needed to have confidence in those measurements. We focus on genome-scale multiplexed measurements of nucleic acids and proteins, using approaches such as microarrays and ultra-high throughput “next-generation” DNA sequencing, along with multiplexed affinity-based protein measurements. Technology development is based on microfluidic systems for cell manipulation and culture, and sample preparation. Measurement assurance is based on a large set of spike-in controls (developed collaboratively with the External RNA Control Consortium) and experiment designs relying on titrations of complex mixtures.