Label-Free Multiplexed Analysis Using Photonic Crystal-Based Biosensors

Label-free bioanalytical methods have been widely employed in biomedical research, in particular, in drug screening and discovery, diagnostics, and proteomics. Photonic crystals (PCs) represent a modern alternative to surface plasmon resonance (SPR) techniques. Imaging of PC surface modes has been demonstrated as a promising label-free approach allowing for multiplexed detection. Surface modification of PC sensors is an important stage determining the effectiveness of the analysis of biomolecule interactions. Here, we describe the results of the development of a label-free PC-based sensor, the key steps of the modification and functionalization of the PC surface with proteins, as well as the evaluation of its suitability for sensing via 2D imaging of binding events. Our data demonstrate the efficiency of the designed PC-based sensor for analysis of proteins interactions and pave the way for the engineering of a label-free biosensing platform based on PCs.