Backward-scattering-based Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensors with Gold Nanospheres and Nanoshells

Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) sensors based on plasmonic nanoparticles are sensitive to changes in local refractive index, so that they are used for affinity-based chemical sensing and biosensing. Conventional LSPR sensors are generally based on transmission of light through the sensor and a sample solution, which could be colored or turbid. In this study, we develop backward-scattering-based LSPR sensors that can be applied to colored or turbid sample solutions. Au nanospheres (100 nm diameter) and Au nanoshells (25 nm thick) with SiO2 cores (80 nm diameter) are used as plasmonic nanoparticles and immobilized on a glass substrate. The refractive index sensitivities of the Au nanospheres and nanoshells are 128 and 278 nm RIU(-1), respectively, which are in good agreement with simulated values and the values for conventional transmission-based LSPR sensors. The Au nanoshells require a lower amount of Au for the same scattering intensity in comparison with the Au nanospheres. The backward-scattering-based LSPR sensing is possible with the Au nanospheres and nanoshells even in coffee as a colored and turbid sample.