Optical sensor arrays based on microtiterplate dimensions

Multi-analyte and multi-sample sensing requires highly parallel analysis. This paper compares biomolecular interaction analysis based on direct optical detection, with microtiterplate-based assays using labelled reagents. Depending on the method and the application, assays in either a homogeneous or a heterogeneous phase are possible. Their feasibility in different applications is discussed. Two approaches with highly parallel detection devices are demonstrated in the area of environmental analysis as well as in high-throughput screening of drugs. An outlook on the limits of detection using affinity reactions is given. First results of the transfer to nanotiterplates are presented.