Surface Plasmon Resonance
Surface plasmons are the collective excitation of electrons at the interface between a conductor and an insulator. They can be thought of as non-radiative electromagnetic modes on a surface.
The usual sample is a thin metallic film acting as a substrate for additional material. Very thin layers of material on this metal film can significantly change the characteristics of the surface plasmons.
Hence the technique can provide high chemical sensitivity, especially if the metal film is given a specific chemical or biochemical affinity.
Facilities Include:
BIAcore 1000 & 2000
Applications Include:
- Biomolecules - monitoring DNA and Proteins
- Drug Discovery
- Life Science - Protenomics, Neuroscience Chemical Sensors
- Food Analysis