Directed transport-enabled improved biosensing and bioanalysis on plasmonic nanostructured substrates

Abstract

Analytical sensors are widely useful for advances in drug discovery, disease diagnosis and study of biological systems. Metallic nanostructures can utilize unique optical detection techniques through efficient coupling of light with free electrons in the metal layer. However, the performance of these devices is limited by diffusion-limited transport of molecules to nanoscale sensing sites. In this dissertation, nanostructured biosensing substrates are discussed which can spontaneously direct the flow of molecules in solution directly towards themselves. These devices show improved detection sensitivity, while minimizing the limitations and complexity imposed upon the system. Furthermore, they show an ability to trap biological particles such as organelles and liposomes on the sensor surface, facilitating their on-chip analysis with single particle resolution. The work presented in this dissertation can give rise to novel portable sensing platforms with improved performance and diverse applications.