Abstract
Detection methods utilized in the development of biosensors and biochips often require labeling strategies. Commonly employed labels include radioisotopes, enzymes, and fluorohphores. Bioluminescent proteins offer an alternative labeling option and are becoming increasingly popular because of their versatility, sensitivity, and nontoxicity. Bioluminescent labels emit light of varying colors as a method of releasing the energy that is produced by their specific chemical reactions. Aequorin is an example of one such bioluminescent protein which has been studied extensively and used in a variety of bioanalytical techniques. In this chapter, we describe the qualities of aequorin and the potential that it has as a generic label. This chapter also details several aequorin‐based immunoassays that have been developed for the monitoring of biomarkers important to both hormonal disorders and cardiovascular disease. Lastly, we discuss the progress and the pitfalls associated with developing multianalyte detection schemes and robust sensing technologies based on bioluminescent, aequorin labeling.