Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) Systems

Systems that utilize Surface Plasmon Resonance, or SPR, can measure interactions between biomolecules and ligands in a sensitive, label-free manner. In an SPR experiment, one molecule, the ligand, is coupled to the sensor surface. A solution containing the second molecule (the analyte) then is flowed over the surface. Molecular binding events or conformational changes along the surface interface will cause a measurable change in the light absorbed by the detector, which can be monitored over time. Researchers can use these data to extract a detailed picture of the intermolecular interaction, including its association rate, dissociation rate, and affinity. SPR systems are useful tools in studying protein and drug interactions, molecular sensing, kinetics, and more.