Method and apparatus for detecting biomolecular interactions
View Patent ↗Method and apparatus for detecting biomolecular interactions. The use of labels is not required and the methods may be performed in a high-throughput manner. An apparatus for detecting biochemical interactions occurring on the surface of a biosensor includes a light source. A first optical fiber is coupled to the light source and illuminates the biosensor. A second optical fiber detects a wavelength reflected from the biosensor. A spectrometer determines spectra of a reflected signal from the biosensor.
1. A method of measuring biochemical surface interactions of a biosensor, said method comprising the steps of:
incubating said biosensor at a predetermined temperature;
providing a dual fiber optic probe with at least one illuminating fiber that is optically coupled to a light source, said illuminating fiber directing light towards a first surface of said biosensor;
providing at least one detecting fiber, said at least one detecting fiber detecting light reflected from said first surface of the biosensor;
optically coupling said at least one detecting fiber to a spectrometer; and
analyzing said reflected light from said first surface of said biosensor.
2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said analyzing step comprises determining a Peak Wavelength Value of said reflected light.
3. The invention of claim 1 wherein said biosensor further comprises a second surface opposite said first surface, said second surface having a sample placed thereon and wherein the method further comprises step of generating a two-dimensional Peak Wavelength Value map of said second sensor surface.
4. The invention of claim 1 wherein said spectrometer includes a one dimensional charge coupled device.
5. The invention of claim 3 wherein said two-dimensional Peak Wavelength Value map is generated by said spectrometer.
6. The invention of claim 1 further including a step of providing a software interface that assists in controlling said spectrometer.
7. The invention of claim 6 further comprising the step of generating with said software interface a visual representation of a Peak Wavelength Value of said reflected light.