Label-free detection of biomolecular interactions in real time with a nano-porous silicon-based detection method

BACKGROUND: We describe a biosensor platform for monitoring molecular interactions that is based on the combination of a defined nano-porous silicon surface, coupled to light interferometry. This platform allows the label-free detection of protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions in defined, as well as complex protein mixtures. The silicon surface can be functionalized to be compatible with traditional carboxyl immobilization chemistries, as well as with aldehyde-hydrazine bioconjugation chemistries. RESULTS: We demonstrate the utility of the new platform in measuring protein-protein interactions of purified products in buffer, in complex mixtures, and in the presence of different organic solvent spikes, such as DMSO and DMF, as these are commonly used in screening chemical compound libraries. CONCLUSION: Nano-porous silicon, when combined with white light interferometry, is a powerful technique for the measurement of protein-protein interactions. In addition to studying the binary interactions of biomolecules in clean buffer systems, the newly developed surfaces are also suited for studying interactions in complex samples, such as plasma.