Smaller structures taking the lead - analysis and simulation of structure size influences on binding kinetics down to the single molecule level

This paper describes a method for the quantitative detection of biochemical binding events onto microstructured and functional surfaces on a truly single molecular level. The classic Streptavidinbiotin system is used to provide the last detection step and the binding is visualized via gold-nanoparticles in a SEM. We showed that this allows a spatial resolution down to the nanometer scale. It also allowed us to proof the spot size dependence of binding kinetics according to the theorem of Ekins in one single experiment. The method allows to analyze any binding event on a planar surface and is enabling to measure surface densities of functional groups like the amount of BSA molecules on a blocked glass surface.