Surface plasmon resonance detection system

Jonsson U. and Malmqvist M. (1992) Real time biospecific interaction analysis. The integration of surface plasmon resonance. Detection, general biospecific interface chemistry and microfluidics into one analytical system, Adv. Biosensors 2 291-336. 

Long period gratings modified by the deposition of a self-assembled colloid monolayer of gold have been shown to enhance SRI sensitivity, which was attributed to the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of gold nanoparticles61. The system was used after functionalization of the gold nanoparticles with dini-trophenyl (DNP) antigen, for the detection of anti-(DNP) with a limit of detection as low as 9.5 x 10 10 M. 

Immunosensors have been developed commercially mostly for medical purposes but would appear to have considerable potential for food analysis. The Pharmacia company has developed an optical biosensor, which is a fully automated continuous-flow system which exploits the phenomenon of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) to detect and measure biomolecular interactions. The technique has been validated for determination of folic acid and biotin in fortified foods (Indyk, 2000 Bostrom and Lindeberg, 2000), and more recently for vitamin Bi2. This type of technique has great potential for application to a wide range of food additives but its advance will be linked to the availability of specific antibodies or other receptors for the various additives. It should be possible to analyse a whole range of additives by multi-channel continuous flow systems with further miniaturisation. 

Very few immunosensors are commercially available. The commercial immunosensors are either the detector or bioanalyzer types. The PZ 106 immunosensor from Universal Sensors Inc. (New Orleans, LA) has been used as a detector to measure antibody-antigen reaction. Ohmicron (Newtown, PA) developed a series of pesticide immuno-bioanalyzers that have been used in field tests. Pharmacia Biosensor USA (Piscataway, NJ) recently introduced BIAcore immunodetection system. A combination of a unique flow injection device and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) detection technique provides a real time analysis. A carboxylmethyldextran layer added to plasmon generating gold film is a hydrophobic, activatable, and flexible polymer that provides high antibody and low non-specific bindings. System demonstration at the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) 1994 meeting in Atlanta drew attention of food scientists. It should easily be adapted for food protein characterization. 

Direct detection biosensors utilize direct measurement of the biological interaction. Such detectors typically measure physical changes (e.g., changes in optical, mechanical, or electrical properties) induced by the biological interaction, and they do not require labeling (i.e., label free) for detection. Direct biosensors can also be used in an indirect mode, typically to increase their sensitivity. Direct detection systems include optical-based systems (most common being surface plasmon resonance) and mechanical systems such as quartz crystal resonators. 

Direct binding systems. Many biosensors that utilize receptors as a mode of obtaining selectivity depend on the detection of the binding event, using devices such as surface plasmon resonance, surface acoustic waves, and fluorescence quenching [27]. 

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