High-Throughput Parallel Proteomic Sample Preparation Using 96-Well Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) Membranes and C18 Purification Plates

Meaningful proteomic-based biomarker discovery projects using primary human-derived specimens require the analysis of hundreds of samples in order to address the issue of interpersonal variability. Thus, robust high-throughput methods for the digestion of plasma samples are a prerequisite for such large clinical proteomic studies with hundreds of samples. Commonly used sample preparation methods are often difficult to parallelize and/or automate. Herein we describe a method for parallel 96-well plate-based sample preparation. Protein digestion is performed in 96-well polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane plates and the subsequent purification in 96-well reversed phase C18 purification plates, enabling the usage of multichannel pipettes in all steps. The protocol can be applied using neat or depleted plasma/serum samples, but has also proven effective with other sample types.