Link to article: http://cen.acs.org/articles/94/web/2016/07/new-twist-common-lab-tool.html
In Analytical Chemistry Journal researchers led by Jose L. Garcia-Cordero et al from Center for Research and Advanced Studies at the National Polytechnic Institute in Monterrey, Mexico, reported that they designed an alternative that uses microsized pillars instead of wells as a bioassay technique. An enzyme solution is added to a pillar and concentration by evaporation. A sample solution (substrate) is added whereby the enzyme reacts to produce a product. Surface tension keeps the droplet in place and the Maragoni effect where liquid flows to areas of higher surface tension helps the protein and the substrate mix. These Maragoni currents can be used for colorimetric assays as the evaporation is necessary for the reaction to occur. Possibly it could be an advantage over plate-readers if the they could have faster reaction times or are dealing with substrates or proteins that might degrade or oxidize over a short time period.
