What is Surface Plasmon Resonance?

In summary, Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) is a sensitive optical technique used to study molecular interactions in real-time without the need for labels. It relies on the excitation of surface plasmons, which are coherent oscillations of free electrons at the interface between a metal and a dielectric. When light hits the metal surface at a specific angle, it can resonate with these plasmons, causing a measurable change in the reflected light intensity. SPR is widely used in biosensing applications, including the detection of biomolecular binding events, such as protein-protein interactions, DNA hybridization, and antibody-antigen interactions, providing valuable kinetic and affinity data.
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PhysicsEnjoyer31415
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Can someone please explain to me SPR in detail and mathrmatics of it if any. I have a basic idea that it is something like photoelectric effect but instead of electron a photonof different wavelength is shot off because some of the energy is absorbed by the material. Am i correct ? Please help .Thank you.
Surface_Plasmon_Resonance_(SPR).jpg
 
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There is quite a good video about this at the following URL:-
 
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tech99 said:
There is quite a good video about this at the following URL:-

Thank you
 

FAQ: What is Surface Plasmon Resonance?

What is Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR)?

Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) is an optical technique used to measure the binding interactions between biomolecules in real-time without the need for labels. It relies on the excitation of surface plasmons, which are coherent oscillations of free electrons at the interface between a metal and a dielectric, typically used in biosensing applications.

How does Surface Plasmon Resonance work?

SPR works by shining light onto a metal film (commonly gold or silver) at a specific angle. When the light hits the film, it can excite surface plasmons if the conditions are right, leading to a decrease in the intensity of the reflected light. The angle at which this occurs changes when molecules bind to the surface, allowing researchers to monitor real-time changes in binding events.

What are the applications of Surface Plasmon Resonance?

SPR is widely used in various fields, including biochemistry, pharmaceuticals, and diagnostics. Applications include studying protein-protein interactions, antibody-antigen binding, drug discovery, and the development of biosensors for detecting pathogens or biomarkers in clinical samples.

What are the advantages of using Surface Plasmon Resonance?

The advantages of SPR include its ability to provide real-time, label-free analysis of biomolecular interactions, high sensitivity, and the capability to measure binding kinetics and affinities. It allows for the study of complex interactions in a variety of conditions, making it a versatile tool in research and diagnostics.

What are the limitations of Surface Plasmon Resonance?

Despite its advantages, SPR has limitations, such as the requirement for a thin metal film, sensitivity to environmental conditions (e.g., temperature and refractive index changes), and challenges in studying very low-affinity interactions. Additionally, the complexity of data analysis can be a barrier for some users.

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