| abstract |
The present disclosure concerns methods, systems, and devices for analyzing a biological material, such as a cellular or other specimen. In one disclosed example, the method selectively transfers biomolecules from a target region of interest in a biological sample (such as a tissue section). The transfer may occur, for example, by selectively focally altering a characteristic of a transfer layer adjacent the target region, such that the biomolecules can move through the altered area of the transfer layer. In particular examples, the transfer layer is altered by focally increasing a permeability of the transfer layer, for example by removing a focal portion of the transfer layer, and transporting the biomolecules through the altered region of the transfer layer, to microdissect the biomolecules of interest from the biological sample. In yet other embodiments, the microdissected biomolecules can be applied to an analysis substrate containing an identification molecule, such as a nucleic acid array, layered expression scan, or wells containing antibodies. Transfer microdissection allows biomolecules from regions of interest in the biological specimen to be selectively analyzed. For example, nests of highly atypical or metastatic cells in a tumor section can be analyzed for differential expression of certain proteins. |