Monitoring biomolecular interactions: Observing real-time molecular binding with surface plasmon resonance

An understanding of the dynamics of biomolecular binding provides scientists with crucial information on the role of molecules in both health and disease. Whether it is antibodies recognizing antigens, cell-surface receptors binding to ligands, or if and how a potential drug candidate binds to its target, the ability to gather quality functional data on interactions is key. This is by no means a simple process. On top of the seemingly endless complexity of biomolecular interactions in the human body, many molecules need to be studied in a near-native environment. This places great demands on the technology used to study these systems. One technology that is capable of providing unique functional data on biomolecular interactions is surface plasmon resonance (SPR). SPR is currently being used for a wide variety of applications within drug development and life-science research, from proteomics to neurobiology and cancer, and even within the food industry. This article looks at the science behind the technique and how SPR has provided new data for neurobiology research into Alzheimer's disease.