Direct optical detection in bioanalysis: an update

In biomolecular interaction analysis, direct optical detection is attracting increasing interest in academia and industry. Therefore, a previous review has been updated. Optical principles are given in brief, focussing especially on modern and frequently used techniques. Commercialized methods are listed with some specific applications. In addition, some of the many applications found in the literature are listed; others which have been reviewed elsewhere are cited. Overall, the growing interest in direct optical monitoring of biomolecular interaction is demonstrated and future trends are outlined. Because optical methods is a very wide field, the paper concentrates on the currently most common methods, microrefractometry and microreflectivity.