Single-molecule reader for proteomics and genomics

Recent developments in ultrasensitive fluorescence microscopy enabled the detection and detailed characterization of individual biomolecules in their native environment. New types of information can be obtained from studying individual molecules, which is not accessible from ensemble measurements. Moreover, this methodological advance matches the need of bioscience to downscale the sample amount required for screening devices. It is envisioned that concentrations as low as ∼1000 molecules contained in a sample of 1 nl can be detected in a chip-based assay. In this review, we overview state-of-the-art single molecule microscopy with respect to its applicability to ultrasensitive screening. Quantitative estimations will be given, based on a novel apparatus designed for large area screening at single molecule sensitivity.