Use of Microarrays as a High-Throughput Platform for Label-Free Biosensing

Abstract

In recent years, various label-free biosensing technologies have been developed for studying the real-time kinetics of diverse biomolecular interactions. These biosensors partially take the place of fluorescence-based methods by providing a comparable sensitivity as well as retaining the conformational and functional integrality of biomolecules to be investigated. However, to completely eliminate the need of fluorescence, throughput is the next big consideration. Microarrays provide a high-throughput platform for screening tens of thousands of biomolecular interactions simultaneously, and many compatible fluorescent scanners have been commercially available. The combination of microarrays and label-free biosensors will be of great interest to researchers in related fields. Microarrays are fabricated by spotting, imprinting, or directly synthesizing biomolecules on solid supports such as glasses, silicon wafers, and other functionalized substrates, and they have been applied to detect DNAs, proteins, toxins, and so on in surface plasmon resonance (SPR) imaging systems and oblique-incidence reflectivity difference (OI-RD) microscopes. Current challenges include increasing sensitivity, reducing sampling time, improving surface chemistry, identifying captured molecules, and minimizing reagent consumption. Future research directions are to improve the instruments themselves, modify the microarray surface for more efficient analyte capture, and combine the systems with mass spectrometry and microfluidics.

Photonic crystals: emerging biosensors and their promise for point-of-care applications

“…However, introducing a label potentially adds complexity, increases experimental errors, and presents additional inefficiencies and uncertainties, such as quenching effects and photobleaching. 209 Additionally, labeling a biomolecule can significantly alter its characteristic properties (conformation, solubility, and affinity). 210 Considering the challenges associated with labeling, label-free assays can reduce cost, complexity, and time for POC tests by eliminating the use of labels, dyes, and high-volume of reagents.…”

Microtechnologies for Cell Microenvironment Control and Monitoring

“…These techniques not only retain the integrity of the cell culture and their biomolecules, but also allow to some extent the observation and monitoring of real-time events ( Figure 11 ). These techniques also provide a higher sensibility up to a certain degree, allowing the monitoring of several individual events in a HTP manner [ 88 , 89 , 90 ].…”

JALA Special Issue: New Developments in Biosensing Technologies

“…These review articles cover a wide spectrum of research interests that have been extensively examined in recent years. They range from paper-based systems for point-of-care biosensing, 46 label-free biosensing based on microarray platforms, 47 methods for endotoxin detection, 48 developments of portable biosensors, 49 and biosensors for monitoring airborne pathogens. 50 Each review provides a summary of recent efforts in the development of biosensing research from a unique viewpoint.…”