Strategies for enhancing the sensitivity of plasmonic nanosensors

Abstract

Based on the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of metallic nanoparticles, plasmonic nanosensors have emerged as a powerful tool for biosensing applications. Many detection schemes have been developed and the field is rapidly growing to incorporate new methodologies and applications. Amidst all the ongoing research efforts, one common factor remains a key driving force: continued improvement of high-sensitivity detection. Although there are many excellent reviews available that describe the general progress of LSPR-based plasmonic biosensors, there has been limited attention to strategies for improving the sensitivity of plasmonic nanosensors. Recognizing the importance of this subject, this review highlights recent progress on different strategies used for improving the sensitivity of plasmonic nanosensors. These strategies are classified into the following three categories based on their different sensing mechanisms: (1) sensing based on target-induced local refractive index changes, (2) colorimetric sensing based on LSPR coupling, and (3) amplification of detection sensitivity based on nanoparticle growth. The basic principles and cutting-edge examples are provided for each kind of strategy, collectively forming a unifying framework to view the latest attempts to improve the sensitivity of nanoplasmonic sensors. Future trends for the fabrication of improved plasmonic nanosensors are also discussed.

Advances in optoplasmonic sensors – combining optical nano/microcavities and photonic crystals with plasmonic nanostructures and nanoparticles

“…via antibodies to detect antigens). A further important consequence of the enhanced, localised fields is the several orders of magnitude increased emission and/or scattering signals from the adsorbed molecules leading to a surface-enhanced fluorescence effect and surfaceenhanced Raman scattering (SERS) [15,18,20,21]. Here, we will focus on a selection of recent developments in the synthesis of plasmonic nanostructures, fine-tuning of the electromagnetic field localisation, and enhancements at specific sites, tailored surface functionalisation, and their resulting properties.…”

Optical properties of gold nanoparticles decorated with furan-based diarylethene photochromic molecules

“…This 6 nm wavelength shift accompanied with a slight increase of the absorbance is typical when a molecular layer is formed on gold nanoparticles. The small change of the refractive index in the close vicinity of the nanoparticle is modeled with the Mie theory and is largely documented [47][48][49] . In our case this plasmon shift is a proof of the attachment of molecules in OF and was discussed previously [50] .…”

Characterization and Evaluation of Silver-Nanoparticle-Incorporated in Composite Graphite Aiming at their Application in Biosensors

“…al 2015;ElKaoutit et. al., 2012;Guo et al, 2015). In addition, the excellent stability can improve biocompatible biological recognition and relatively high-density AgNPs allow for the application as a current enhancer.…”