Aluminum nanoparticles as substrates for metal-enhanced fluorescence in the ultraviolet for the label-free detection of biomolecules

Anal Chem. 2009 Feb 15;81(4):1397-403. doi: 10.1021/ac802118s.

Abstract

We use finite-difference time-domain calculations to show that aluminum nanoparticles are efficient substrates for metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF) in the ultraviolet (UV) for the label-free detection of biomolecules. The radiated power enhancement of the fluorophores in proximity to aluminum nanoparticles is strongly dependent on the nanoparticle size, fluorophore-nanoparticle spacing, and fluorophore orientation. Additionally, the enhancement is dramatically increased when the fluorophore is between two aluminum nanoparticles of a dimer. Finally, we present experimental evidence that functionalized forms of amino acids tryptophan and tyrosine exhibit MEF when spin-coated onto aluminum nanostructures.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Absorption
  • Aluminum / chemistry*
  • Amino Acids / analysis*
  • Amino Acids / metabolism
  • Fluorescence*
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Particle Size
  • Proteins / analysis*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Spectrometry, Fluorescence
  • Staining and Labeling
  • Time Factors
  • Ultraviolet Rays*

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Proteins
  • Aluminum