Outlook

To compete with HPLC, capillary electrophoresis or other analytical techniques, biosensors need to be designed to measure several different analytes in parallel using a single analyzer and without having to change any biosensor components. The latest system in the Biacore range (Biacore A100) can analyze up to 3,800 interactions in 24 hours, while the Biacore Flexchip can study up to 400 different interactions simultaneously. Applied Biosystems' 8,500 Affinity Chip Analyzer platform enables the real-time, label-free study of molecular interactions on 400-spot chips.

The second crucial point is the ability to develop methods for mass production and to produce biological material in large quantities. Biosensors also need to be designed so that they can be integrated with other analytical systems to perform multiple analyses. Combining HPLC or capillary electrophoresis...