Shape-dependent sensitivity of single plasmonic nanoparticles for biosensing

Shape-dependent sensitivity of localized surface plasmon-based biosensing was investigated by combining single-particle protein-sensing and multiple multipole program simulation. Significantly higher sensitivity was observed for tetrahedral particles than spherical ones, which was revealed by careful structural analysis of individually measured particles. The simulation of the corresponding particles with layered protein adsorption model showed consistent optical property and sensitivity, which were explained in terms of the field enhancement at the pointing edges.