Real time, high resolution studies of protein adsorption and structure at the solid-liquid interface using dual polarization interferometry

A novel method for the analysis of thin biological films, called dual polarization interferometry (DPI), is described. This high resolution (<1 Angstrom), laboratory-based technique allows the thickness and refractive index (density) of biological molecules adsorbing or reacting at the solid-liquid interface to be measured in real time (up to 10 measurements per second). Results from the adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) on to a silicon oxynitride chip surface are presented to demonstrate how time dependent molecular behaviour can be examined using DPI. Mechanistic and structural information relating to the adsorption process is obtained as a function of the solution pH.