Abstract

Optical affinity biosensors are devices that incorporate a biomolecular recognition element (e.g. antibody) which specifically recognizes a particular analyte and an optical transduction system which allows quantification of the interaction between the analyte and the biomolecular recognition element. In the last decade we have witnessed development of numerous optical transduction methods, including both label-based methods such as fluorescence spectroscopy and label-free methods such as optical interferometry, spectroscopy of guided modes of optical waveguides, and surface plasmon resonance. Label-free optical biosensors present unique technology that enables direct observation of molecular interaction in real-time and offer benefits of rapid, sensitive and label-free detection of chemical and biological species with potential applications in numerous important areas including proteomics, medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, food analysis, agriculture, and security.

© 2009 IEEE