Surface Plasmon Sensors: Sensitivity and Selectivity

This lecture covers the principles of surface plasmon sensors, focusing on their extreme sensitivity to environmental changes when the analyte binds to the biolayer, leading to variations in refractive index and excitation conditions. The discussion extends to affinity sensing, exemplified by Biacore, and the dynamics of complex reactions. Different detection schemes and configurations for surface plasmon sensors are explored, along with the binding assay and the factors influencing sensitivity. Additionally, the use of fiber-based surface plasmon sensors is introduced, showcasing the miniaturization potential and the impact of refractive index on sensor performance.