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Metal Enhanced Fluorescence on Silicon Wafer Substrates
I Gryczynski1, E G Matveeva, P Sarkar
1Center for Commercialization of Fluorescence Technologies, Dept. of Molecular Biology and Immunology, UNTHSC, Fort Worth, TX 76107.
Chemical Physics Letters
|January 13, 2009
Summary
Silver island films (SIF) on silicon wafers significantly boost fluorescence for assays. This enhancement improves brightness and photostability, paving the way for advanced multiplex assays using micro transponders.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Silver island films (SIF) are known for their plasmonic properties.
- Silicon wafers are common substrates in microelectronics and biosensing.
- Fluorescence enhancement can improve assay sensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of SIF on fluorescence enhancement for immunoassays.
- To evaluate changes in fluorescence brightness, lifetime, and photostability.
- To explore the potential of SIF-coated silicon wafers in multiplex assays.
Main Methods:
- Deposition of SIF on silicon wafers.
- Performing model immunoassays on both silvered and unsilvered wafers.
- Measuring fluorescence brightness, lifetime, and photostability of Rhodamine Red X.
Main Results:
- A ~300% increase in fluorescence brightness of Rhodamine Red X was observed on SIF.
- Fluorescence lifetime was reduced significantly.
- Substantial increase in photostability was achieved.
Conclusions:
- SIF on silicon wafers effectively enhances fluorescence.
- The enhanced fluorescence and photostability are promising for sensitive biosensing.
- SIF-coated silicon wafers are suitable for multiplex assays utilizing micro transponders.
