Fiber optic array biosensors.

Optical fiber arrays provide a powerful substrate for creating high-density sensing systems that can address a variety of biological problems. The fiber substrate can be used to create femtoliter wells that can be loaded with individual beads to create high-density arrays for multiplexed screening and analysis. In addition, living cells can be loaded into the arrays, and their individual responses monitored over long time periods, enabling functional screening of biologically active compounds. Adherent cells can be attached to the fiber substrate to provide a rapid method for observing cell migration and for screening anti-migratory compounds. Finally, individual enzyme molecules can be loaded into the array wells enabling single molecule detection via enzyme-catalyzed signal amplification.