Determination of kinetic data using surface plasmon resonance biosensors

The use of biosensors employing surface plasmon resonance (SPR) provides excellent instrumentation for a label-free, real-time investigation of biomolecular interactions. A broad range of biological applications including antibody-antigen interactions can be analyzed. One major advantage of kinetic analysis using SPR-based biosensors is the option of determining separately distinct association and dissociation rate constants exceeding the classical steady-state analysis of biomolecules. Based on these data new possibilities for drug design, characterizing human pathogens, and the development of therapeutic antibodies can be achieved. The hardware of commercially available systems is described, practical step by step procedures are given, and possibilities and limitations of the technology are discussed.