Probing Molecular Interactions with Label-Free Methods: Biomimetic Interfaces, Machine Learning and New Forms of Plasmonic Sensing

Understanding protein-ligand interactions at the molecular level is critical for elucidating disease mechanisms and enabling early diagnosis of conditions such as cancer, neurological disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. This seminar will highlight recent work in our lab in the areas of molecular recognition, characterization of protein binding, and biomarker detection using the label-free technique of surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Our research integrates biomimetic interface engineering, novel plasmonic sensing schemes, and machine learning-based data analysis to address complex analytical challenges. We employ supported lipid bilayers to investigate protein interactions under relevant conditions, including curved membrane geometries. A glycolipid microarray platform for SPR imaging will be presented for the detection of multiple sclerosis biomarkers, where machine learning algorithms were used to resolve cross-reactivity issues that hinder diagnostic specificity. Additional topics will include new chip designs, 3D-printed optical components, and the use of unconventional aluminum substrates in the Kretschmann configuration for enhanced sensing. Finally, plasmonic film-enhanced laser desorption ionization process for single cell analysis will be discussed.