BIO-ASSAY USING LIQUID CRYSTALS

Abstract

There is provided a method, an in vitro method and a detection system for detecting the presence of at least one biological molecule in at least one sample. The method can include, for example, providing a sample and/or a binding agent to a contact portion of a surface by way of at least one microfluidic channel; disposing a liquid crystal at the contact portion; determining whether the orientation of the liquid crystal changes after the sample contacts the binding agent, indicating the presence of the biological molecule; and determining length of bright region of the liquid crystal and/or change in interference color of said liquid crystal, and consequently indicating the quantity of said biological molecule. Also disclosed are methods of detecting biological molecules using at least one 4'-pentyl-biphenyl-4-R, where R may be at least one functional group selected from carboxylic acid, amine, aldehyde, and oligopeptide.