Surface plasmon resonance biosensors have revolutionized the study of molecular interactions. Current instruments can provide detailed kinetic information about complex formation without reagent labeling, but are low throughput. New array-based biosensor technology is poised to make a significant contribution to the proteomics revolution by increasing the number of surface reactions that can be monitored simultaneously. The challenges in producing protein arrays are two fold: depositing and maintaining active proteins on a surface and physically creating dense arrays of proteins within small target areas (typically 1 cm2). The current award seeks to optimize the conditions for solid-pin spotting of peptides and to fabricate novel fluidic devices that would allow for in-flow protein immobilization.
The broader impacts of this work include training students in biosensor technology and nuclear receptor biology. In addition, the technology that results from this work will permit large-scale mapping of protein interactions, which will serve as the basis for interpreting complex biological systems.
