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  • Review Article
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Biosensing with plasmonic nanosensors

Nature Materials volume 7, pages 442–453 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

Recent developments have greatly improved the sensitivity of optical sensors based on metal nanoparticle arrays and single nanoparticles. We introduce the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) sensor and describe how its exquisite sensitivity to size, shape and environment can be harnessed to detect molecular binding events and changes in molecular conformation. We then describe recent progress in three areas representing the most significant challenges: pushing sensitivity towards the single-molecule detection limit, combining LSPR with complementary molecular identification techniques such as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, and practical development of sensors and instrumentation for routine use and high-throughput detection. This review highlights several exceptionally promising research directions and discusses how diverse applications of plasmonic nanoparticles can be integrated in the near future.

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Figure 1: Effect of size and shape on LSPR extinction spectrum for silver nanoprisms and nanodiscs formed by nanosphere lithography.

© 2001 MRS

Figure 2: Single-nanoprism LSPR.

© 2003 ACS

Figure 3: Photothermal imaging of gold nanoparticles in a living cell.

© 2006 BIOPHYSICAL SOCIETY

Figure 4: Wavelength-dependent LSPR shifts induced by resonant molecules.

© 2006 ACS

Figure 5: Molecular plasmonic ruler.
Figure 6: Tuning the LSPR to maximize the SERS signal.

© 2005 ACS

Figure 7: Uniform biochip for multiplexed LSPR detection.

© 2006 ACS

Figure 8: The first in vivo SERS implantable glucose sensor.

© 2006 ACS

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the National Science Foundation (grants EEC-0647560, CHE-0414554, DMR-0520513 and BES-0507036), the National Cancer Institute (1 U54 CA119341-01), a Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (5 F32 GM077020) to J.N.A., and a Ryan Fellowship to W.P.H.

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  1. Chemistry Department, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, 60208-3113, Illinois, USA

    Jeffrey N. Anker, W. Paige Hall, Olga Lyandres, Nilam C. Shah, Jing Zhao & Richard P. Van Duyne

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  1. Jeffrey N. Anker
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Correspondence to Richard P. Van Duyne.

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Anker, J., Hall, W., Lyandres, O. et al. Biosensing with plasmonic nanosensors. Nature Mater 7, 442–453 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/nmat2162

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