Frequency locked whispering evanescent resonator (FLOWER) for biochemical sensing applications.

Sensitive, rapid and label-free biochemical sensors are needed for many applications. In this protocol, we describe biochemical detection using FLOWER (frequency locked optical whispering evanescent resonator)-a technique that we have used to detect single protein molecules in aqueous solution as well as exosomes, ribosomes and low part-per-trillion concentrations of volatile organic compounds. Whispering gallery mode microtoroid resonators confine light for extended time periods (hundreds of nanoseconds).

Long-term tracking of haematopoietic clonal dynamics and mutations in non-human primate undergoing transplantation of lentivirally barcoded haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells.

Haematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) autologous gene therapies are promising treatment for a variety of blood disorders. Investigation of the long-term HSPC clonal dynamics and other measures of safety and durability following lentiviral-mediated gene therapies in predictive models are crucial for assessing risks and benefits in order to inform decisions regarding wider utilization. We established an autologous lentivirally barcoded HSPC transplantation model in rhesus macaque (RM), a model offering insights into haematopoiesis and gene therapies with direct relevance to human.

Label-free, real-time monitoring of membrane binding events at zeptomolar concentrations using frequency-locked optical microresonators.

G-protein coupled receptors help regulate cellular function and communication, and are targets of small molecule drug discovery efforts. Conventional techniques to probe these interactions require labels and large amounts of receptor to achieve satisfactory sensitivity. Here, we use frequency-locked optical microtoroids for label-free characterization of membrane interactions in vitro at zeptomolar concentrations for the kappa opioid receptor and its native agonist dynorphin A 1-13, as well as big dynorphin (dynorphin A and dynorphin B) using a supported biomimetic membrane.

Towards Early Diagnosis and Screening of Alzheimer's Disease Using Frequency Locked Whispering Gallery Mode Microtoroid Biosensors.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive form of dementia affecting almost 55 million people worldwide. It is characterized by the abnormal deposition of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles within the brain, leading to a pathological cascade of neuron degeneration and death as well as memory loss and cognitive decline. Amyloid beta (Aβ) is an AD biomarker present in cerebrospinal fluid and blood serum and correlates with the presence of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain.