Precision in Tear Fluid Biomarker Discovery: Quantitative Proteomic Profiling of Small-Volume, Individual Samples Using Capillary Tube Collection.

ABSTRACT: Background: Tear fluid, rich in proteins, is a promising source of novel biomarkers for ocular and systemic health. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is the primary method for biomarker discovery. Still, factors such as limited sample volume, extracellular protein contamination, and reflex tearing can significantly impact results. Glass microcapillary tubes minimize these issues. Schirmer strips remain the most common collection method due to existing LC-MS/MS protocol optimization. Methods: In this study, we evaluated multiple digestion protocols for the shotgun quantitative LC-MS/MS analysis of small-volume tear fluid samples collected using glass capillary tubes. Protocol optimization was performed using pooled samples and then compared with the ana

SUBMITTER: Frenia K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11852441 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature