SIMS spectrum of maltopentaose (left) and fragment species provide information on the molecular structure (right)

Many modern diagnostic tests rely upon the detection of specific biochemical interactions, in which a probe is fixed to the surface and used to capture a target from a biological fluid. Examples include DNA arrays, which are now routinely used in molecular biology and medicine, and surface immobilised antibodies, for the detection of biological markers of disease and in bioprocess monitoring. Carbohydrates are a class of molecules that display immense diversity and have an important role in many biological processes and disease states. The development of carbohydrate arrays needs to be underpinned by physical characterisation methods, for example, the separation and purification of these materials is extremely challenging. We are working in collaboration with MPI Berlin, BAM, University of Nottingham and Imperial College to address these needs.

Selected Publications

[1] “Surface characterisation of carbohydrate microarrays” D Scurr, T Horlacher, M Oberli, D Werz, L Krock, S Bufali, P H Seeburger, A Shard, M Alexander, Anal. Chem. Submitted

If you require PDF copies of the publications, please contact us below.
Contact: Alex Shard