Biosensor profiling of molecular interactions in pharmacology

Techniques employed to profile the pharmacological properties of a molecule in vitro normally require some type of radio-, enzymatic- or fluorescent-labeling of the ligand and/or the receptor. In contrast, biosensor techniques do not require labeling, and they allow virtually any complex to be screened with minimal assay development. Scientists in both academia and industry are now using biosensors in areas that encompass almost all sectors of drug discovery, diagnostics and the life sciences. Assays have been developed for the analysis of small molecules, proteins, oligonucleotides, bacteriophage, viruses, bacteria and cells. In addition, novel biosensor applications are being developed for the predictive profiling of key pharmacokinetic parameters of a molecule (adsorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity).