Antigen-antibody binding kinetics for biosensors. Changes in the fractal dimension (surface roughness) and in the binding rate coefficient.

The diffusion-limited binding kinetics of antigen in solution to antibody immobilized on a biosensor surface is analyzed within a fractal framework. Changes in the fractal dimension, Df observed are in the same and in the reverse directions as the forward binding rate coefficient k. For example, an increase in the concentration of the isoenzyme human creatine kinase isoenzyme MB form (CK-MB) (antigen) solution from 0.1 to 50 ng/mL and bound to anti-CK-MB antibody immobilized on fused silica fiber rods leads to increases in the fractal dimension Df from 0.294 to 0.5080, and in the forward binding rate coefficient k from 0.1194 to 9.716, respectively. The error in the fractal dimension Df decreases with an increase in the CK-MB isoenzyme concentration in solution. An increase in the concentration of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) in solution from 4000 to 6000 mIU/mL hCG and bound to anti-hCG antibody immobilized on a fluorescence capillary fill device leads to a decrease in the fractal dimension Df from 2.6806 to 2.6164, and to an increase in the forward binding rate coefficient k from 3.571 to 4.033, respectively. The different examples analyzed and presented together indicate one means by which the forward binding rate coefficient k may be controlled, that is by changing the fractal dimension or the "disorder' on the surface. The analysis should assist in helping to improve the stability, the sensitivity, and the response time of biosensors.