The Surface Plasmon Resonance Imaging sensor for papain based on immobilized cystatin.

The Surface Plasmon Resonance Imaging (SPRI) sensor for papain determination based on the interaction between the immobilized cystatin and aqueous papain solution has been developed. The development of the sensor is a stage in the development of the sensor for the determination of cystein proteinases of the papain group. Cystatin was immobilized onto a gold chip by means of a thiol underlayer (cysteamine) and EDS/NHS reaction. Conditions of cystatin- papain interaction were optimized (pH, time of interaction and cystatin concentration). The developed sensor works within the range of 1 - 10 ng ml(-1). However, the precision of measurements (RSD equal to 45%) should be improved. The response of the sensor to papain is specific. This was checked using BSA as a reference.