Downscaling functional bioassays by single-molecule techniques.
In this short review we examine the potential of single-molecule assays in drug development and in basic research to provide new types of information at the smallest assay scales. A key advantage of many single-molecule assays is the requirement for conservative amounts of precious sample compared to conventional assays. In addition, they measure processes that are not observed directly in molecular ensembles. These advantages are balanced currently by difficulties in assay setup, preparation and equipment expense. However, future developments will ameliorate these drawbacks with the production of simpler, less expensive experimental systems for single-molecule assays.
Hong
Feng
F
Department of Biological Sciences, Division of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203-5220, USA.
Root
Douglas D
DD
D001681:Biological Assay / Q000379:methods; D008832:Microchemistry / Q000379:methods; D046210:Microfluidic Analytical Techniques; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013050:Spectrometry, Fluorescence; D013678:Technology, Pharmaceutical; D013997:Time Factors