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Applications of Surface Second Harmonic Generation in Biological Sensing
Renee J Tran1, Krystal L Sly1, John C Conboy1
1Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112;
Annual Review of Analytical Chemistry (Palo Alto, Calif.)
|March 17, 2017
Summary
Surface second harmonic generation (SHG) offers a highly sensitive and surface-specific method for studying biomolecular interactions. This nonlinear optical technique provides advantages over linear methods for detecting low analyte concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Nonlinear Optics
- Biophysics
- Surface Science
Background:
- Surface second harmonic generation (SHG) is a nonlinear optical technique.
- It offers surface specificity due to symmetry constraints, outperforming linear methods like fluorescence.
- SHG excels at detecting low concentrations of biomolecules at interfaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the theoretical background, sensitivity, and implementation of surface SHG.
- To discuss applications of SHG in studying biomolecular interactions.
- To highlight the potential of SHG in biosensor and bioassay development.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical background of SHG.
- Analysis of SHG sensitivity and limit of detection.
- Implementation strategies for surface SHG.
Main Results:
- SHG provides distinct analytical advantages over linear spectroscopic methods.
- High sensitivity allows detection of low analyte concentrations (proteins, peptides, small molecules).
- Resonant enhancement of SHG signal is possible.
Conclusions:
- Surface SHG is a versatile, sensitive, and surface-specific technique.
- Applications include protein-surface, small-molecule-surface, and nanoparticle-membrane interactions.
- SHG shows significant potential for advancing biosensors and bioassays.
