The analysis of biomolecular interactions is key in the drug development process. Label-free biosensor methods provide information on binding, kinetics, concentration, and the affinity of an interaction. These techniques provide real-time monitoring of interactions between an immobilized ligand (such as a receptor) to an analyte in solution without the use of labels. Advances in biosensor design and detection using BioLayer Interferometry (BLI) provide a simple platform that enables label-free monitoring of biomolecular interactions without the use of flow cells. We review the applications of BLI in a wide variety of research and development environments for quantifying antibodies and proteins and measuring kinetics parameters.
An integrated and multiplexed on-line instrument starting from DNA templates to their primary sequences has been demonstrated based on multiplexed microfluidics and capillary array electrophoresis. The instrument automatically processes eight templates through reaction, purification, denaturation, preconcentration, injection, separation, and detection in a parallel fashion. A multiplexed freeze/thaw switching principle and a distribution network were utilized to manage flow and sample transportation. Dye-labeled terminator cycle-sequencing reactions are performed in an eight-capillary array in a hot-air thermal cycler. Subsequently, the sequencing ladders are directly loaded into separate size exclusion chromatographic columns operated at approximately 60 degrees C for purification. On-line denaturation and stacking injection for capillary electrophoresis is simultaneously accomplished at a cross assembly set at approximately 70 degrees C. Not only the separation capillary array but also the reaction capillary array and purification columns can be regenerated after every run. The raw data allow base calling up to 460 bp with an accuracy of 98%. The system is scalable to a 96-capillary array and will benefit not only high-speed, high-throughput DNA sequencing but also genetic typing.
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