Employing 1-lambda reflectometry (RIf), it is possible to detect continuously binding and swelling reactions time-resolved and label-free with a minimum of technical effort.
Only a monochromatic light source (e.g. LED) and a photodiode are needed to detect the biomolecular interaction at the transducer. The only requirement for the transducer is that it has to be transparent, no additional gratings, layers (e.g. gold), etc. are needed. Therefore, simple glass or plastic substrates can be used as transducers for 1-lambda reflectometry biosensors. Depending on the (optical) properties of the transducer (physical thickness and refractive index), there are one or a few wavelengths that are optimal for the detection of binding events.
Results obtained using 1-lambda reflectometry are absolutely comparable with the results obtained with Reflectometric Interference Spectroscopy (RIfS).
