New System Detects Multiple Biomolecular Interactions

A new tool for pharmaceutical developers is a system that incorporates laser technologies, advanced electronics, microfluidics, and proprietary biochips and software to detect and analyze specific biomolecular interactions.

Called VeriScan, the MEMS (micro-electronic mechanical systems)-based biosensor is capable of detecting interactions with parts-per-trillion sensitivity. Detection is based on recent discoveries that adsorption of proteins creates molecular scale stresses. These stresses can be detected using miniature, micro-machined, mass-produced silicon structure known as microcantilevers. The Veri-Scan 300 monitors the movement of microcantilevers, which are smaller than the width of human hair, by focusing tiny laser beams on the free ends of the microcantilevers.

The VeriScan was developed by Protiveris, Inc. (Rockville, MD, USA; www.protiveris.com). The company employs an array of microcantilevers with customizable surfaces that measure distinct label-free biomolecular interactions, including protein-protein, protein-DNA, and receptor-ligand interactions in its consumable products and disposable biochips. Protiveris is working with customers to develop proteomic-based research including receptor-ligand, immunologic, and metabolism studies.

"The beauty of our technology is that it offers real-time simultaneous detection of multiple protein assays with high sensitivity and selectivity without the use of any external labels,” said Sebastian Kossek, chief science officer, Protiveris.




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