Surface plasmon resonance sensors

Definition

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors are highly sensitive analytical tools used to detect and quantify biomolecular interactions in real-time by measuring changes in refractive index near a sensor surface. These sensors utilize surface plasmons, which are coherent oscillations of free electrons at the interface of a metal and dielectric, to monitor binding events, making them essential in various applications such as biomedical research and environmental monitoring.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. SPR sensors operate by illuminating a metal film (usually gold) with polarized light at a specific angle, causing surface plasmons to form if conditions are met.
2. The change in the refractive index due to binding interactions is detected as a shift in the angle of reflected light, providing quantitative data.
3. These sensors are extensively used in drug discovery to monitor protein-ligand interactions, helping in identifying potential therapeutic candidates.
4. SPR technology can also be applied in environmental monitoring to detect pollutants or pathogens in water and air samples with high sensitivity.
5. The versatility of SPR sensors allows them to be adapted for various assays, including DNA hybridization and antibody-antigen interactions.

Review Questions

• How do surface plasmon resonance sensors detect biomolecular interactions, and what role does refractive index play in this process?
  • Surface plasmon resonance sensors detect biomolecular interactions by measuring shifts in the angle of reflected light when biomolecules bind to the sensor's surface. As molecules attach to the metal film, they alter the local refractive index, which influences how light is reflected. This relationship allows for real-time monitoring of interactions with high sensitivity, making SPR sensors powerful tools in biochemical research.
• Discuss the advantages of using surface plasmon resonance sensors over traditional methods for studying biomolecular interactions.
  • Surface plasmon resonance sensors offer several advantages over traditional methods like ELISA or radioimmunoassays. They provide label-free detection, eliminating the need for fluorescent or radioactive labels, which simplifies the assay process. Additionally, SPR sensors enable real-time monitoring of interactions without disrupting the binding events, allowing researchers to gather more dynamic data on kinetics and affinities. This leads to more accurate and faster analyses of biomolecular interactions.
• Evaluate the impact of surface plasmon resonance sensor technology on environmental monitoring practices and potential future applications.
  • The impact of surface plasmon resonance sensor technology on environmental monitoring is significant as it provides high sensitivity and rapid detection of contaminants or pathogens in various samples. Its ability to deliver real-time results enhances decision-making processes related to public health and safety. Future applications may include expanding the range of detectable analytes, integrating with microfluidics for on-site testing, and developing portable devices for widespread use in field studies. This evolution could revolutionize how we monitor environmental health and respond to pollution crises.

Related terms

Biomolecular Interaction: The specific and reversible association between two or more biomolecules, crucial for understanding cellular processes and mechanisms.

Refractive Index: A measure of how much light bends when it enters a material, which is essential for detecting changes in the environment surrounding the SPR sensor.

Label-Free Detection: A method that allows the detection of biomolecular interactions without the need for fluorescent or radioactive labels, enhancing sensitivity and reducing complexity.