Label-free technologies for quantitative multiparameter biological analysis

Abstract

In the post-genomic era, information is king and information-rich technologies are critically important drivers in both fundamental biology and medicine. It is now known that single-parameter measurements provide only limited detail and that quantitation of multiple biomolecular signatures can more fully illuminate complex biological function. Label-free technologies have recently attracted significant interest for sensitive and quantitative multiparameter analysis of biological systems. There are several different classes of label-free sensors that are currently being developed both in academia and in industry. In this critical review, we highlight, compare, and contrast some of the more promising approaches. We will describe the fundamental principles of these different methodologies and discuss advantages and disadvantages that might potentially help one in selecting the appropriate technology for a given bioanalytical application.

Ultrasensitive detection of a protein by optical trapping in a photonic‐plasmonic microcavity

“…Sample analysis based on the hybrid photonic-plasmonic approach is rapid since detection is potentially speed up through the use of optical forces that deliver proteins to the sites of high field intensity. With the challenges of surface functionalization, detection speed and microfluidic integration addressed, we propose that highly sensitive hybrid photonicplasmonic WGM biosensors in NP layers will have broad applications across multiple disciplines and areas including medical biosensing and drug screening [51,52]. …”

Microscopic imaging ellipsometry of submicron-scale bacterial cells

“…The technique is well known for being non-contact, non-destructive, and noninvasive [7][8][9]. It does not require special sample preparation nor labeling of molecules, in comparison to other detection techniques that require labeling-usually enzymatic or fluorescent such as fluorescence imaging [9][10][11]. Comparing MIE to other non-invasive and label-free imaging techniques like IR/thermal imaging [12], and Raman spectroscopy [13].…”

Reaction tubes: A new platform for silicon nanophotonic ring resonator sensors

“…Due to these considerations, there has been a drive to reduce assay cost and complexity while providing more quantitative information at high throughput [1]. Label-free detection is a solution to this involving a transducer that directly measures some physical property of the biological compound.…”