Metal enhanced fluorescence biosensing: from ultra-violet towards second near-infrared window
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Fothergill, Sarah
Joyce, Caoimhe
Xie, Fang
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
To increase disease survival rates, there is a vital need for diagnosis at very preliminary stages. Then, low concentrations of biomarkers are present which must be effectively detected and quantified for reliable diagnosis. Fluorescent biosensing is commonly enabled through the labelling of these biomarkers with nanostructures and fluorophores. Metal Enhanced Fluorescence (MEF) is a phenomenon whereby the intensity of a fluorescent biosensor signal can be considerably enhanced by placing a metallic nanostructure and fluorophore in close proximity. Importantly, this allows for an even lower detection limit and thus earlier diagnosis. In recent years, extraordinary efforts have been made in the understanding of how the chemical and physical properties of nanomaterials may be exploited advantageously. Via precise nanoscale engineering, it is possible to optimize the optical properties of plasmonic nanomaterials, which now need to be refined and applied in diagnostics. Through MEF, the intensity of this signal can be related in direct proportion to analyte concentration, allowing for diagnosis of disease at an earlier stage than previously. This review paper outlines the potential and recent progress of applied MEF biosensors, highlighting their substantial clinical potential. MEF biosensors are presented both upon assay-based platforms and in solution, with comments on the various metallic nanoparticle morphologies available. This is explored across various emission wavelengths from ultra-violet to the second near infrared window (NIR-II), emphasising their wide applicability. Further to this, the importance of near infrared (NIR-I and NIR-II) biosensing is made clear as it allows for higher penetration in biological media. Finally, by developing multiplexing techniques, multiple and simultaneous analyses of analytes can be achieved. Through the incorporation of metal enhanced fluorescence into biosensing, it will be possible to diagnose disease more rapidly and more reliably than before, with the potential to save countless lives.
Date Issued
2018-10-16
Date Acceptance
2018-09-12
Citation
Nanoscale, 2018, 10, pp.20914-20929
ISSN
2040-3364
Publisher
Royal Society of Chemistry
Start Page
20914
End Page
20929
Journal / Book Title
Nanoscale
Volume
10
Copyright Statement
© 2018 The Author(s). This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/)
Sponsor
British Council (UK)
Grant Number
216239013
Subjects
10 Technology
02 Physical Sciences
03 Chemical Sciences
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2018-10-16