Intrinsic sorption rates of ligand/receptor binding have been measured by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) using response factors for deposition of proteins or smaller molecules on planar surfaces. In this study, generalized expressions for SPR response factor and effective refractive index are developed to measure rates of analyte sorption onto 3-D surfaces. The expressions are specialized for two limiting cases of immediate practical interest and broad applicability: analyte deposition onto a homogeneous anisotropic porous media and deposition onto close-packed solid spheres adjacent to the sensor surface. These new equations specify media capacity, characteristic size and analyte concentration that are necessary to obtain identifiable responses from interaction with anisotropic porous media or chromatographic resin. These developments are illustrated by comparing response factors for Adenovirus type 5 on planar surfaces, porous media and adsorptive spheres. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.