Apparatus and process for monitoring and detecting small molecule-biomolecule interactions

摘要

An apparatus (22) is provided for monitoring small molecule-biomolecule interactions. An oscillating substrate (10) has a wet surface (46) for contact with a liquid and for binding with a biomolecule and a dry surface (48). A detection apparatus (42, 44) determines the resonance frequency of said substrate before and after interaction. Thus, small molecules are monitored for interaction with biomolecules by contacting a solution containing the small molecule with immobilized biomolecules under test, and generating acoustic waves using an acoustic wave device. Interaction of the small molecules with the immobilized biomolecules causes a change in frequency, which can be detected and analyzed electronically to monitor the interaction.