Analysis of Biomolecules Using Surface Plasmons

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensors are optical sensors that use special electromagnetic waves (surface plasmon-polaritons) to probe interactions between an analyte in solution and a biomolecular recognition element immobilized on the SPR sensor surface. Major application areas include the detection of biological analytes and analysis of biomolecular interactions, where SPR biosensors provide benefits of label-free real-time analytical technology. The information obtained is both qualitative and quantitative and it is possible to obtain the kinetic parameters of the interaction. This new technology has been used to study a diverse set of interaction partners of biological interest, such as protein–protein, protein–lipids, protein–nucleic acids, or protein and low molecular weight molecules such as drugs, substrates, and cofactors. In addition to basic biomedical research, the SPR biosensor has recently been used in food analysis, proteomics, immunogenicity, and drug discovery. This chapter reviews the major developments in SPR technology. The main application areas are outlined and examples of applications of SPR sensor technology are presented. Future prospects of SPR sensor technology are discussed.