Overview of Surface Plasmon Resonance Applications

Nov 19, 2024

Lecture Notes: Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and Applications

Introduction to SPR

  • Total Internal Reflection: Occurs when light angles increase beyond a critical point.
  • Metal Film Introduction: Causes electron oscillation due to electromagnetic waves from light.
  • Resonance and SPR Angle:
    • Matching of oscillation wavelengths with surface magnet wavelengths leads to resonance.
    • At specific angles, reflected light is absorbed, creating a sharp peak called SPR angle.
  • Key Concepts:
    • Evanescent Wave: Energy wave trapped at the metal surface.
    • Surface Plasmon: Activated electrons on the surface.

Importance and Applications of SPR

  • Sensitivity: Sensitive to boundary conditions and refractive index changes.
  • Label-Free Detection: Allows real-time monitoring without the need for labels.
  • Applications in Drug Screening:
    • Monitors drug binding speed and duration.
    • Combined with other methods for comprehensive analysis.

Research Directions

  • Label-Free Techniques: Development of optical instrumentation to address clinical issues.
  • Precision Drug Screening: Targeting cell surface receptors and addressing antimicrobial resistance.

Technological Improvements

  • Optical Imaging Enhancements:
    • Replacing photodetectors with system cameras.
    • High throughput and spatial resolution improvements.
  • Single Cell Analysis:
    • Resolves single-cell molecular interactions and 3D structures.

Applications in Cancer Research

  • Receptor Targeting: Focus on EGFR receptors, which are cancer biomarkers.
  • Binding Kinetics:
    • Measures drug-receptor interactions.
    • Provides insights into drug efficacy and resistance mechanisms.
  • Tumor Progression Studies:
    • Quantifies cell movement and attachment properties.
    • Correlates tethering properties with cancer stages.

Wearable Devices and Monitoring

  • Continuous Monitoring: Development of wearable devices for real-time health tracking.
  • Power Solutions:
    • NFC and self-powered systems using body heat.
    • Electrical sensors for continuous glucose and ion monitoring.

Summary

  • High sensitivity and versatility of SPR allow detailed cellular and molecular interaction studies.
  • Applications span from drug screening to cancer diagnostics and real-time health monitoring.

Q&A Section

  • EGFR Receptor: Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor, linked to cell growth and cancer development.