Abstract

A miniaturized spherical surface plasmon sensor for measuring the binding kinetics of unlabeled molecules is introduced. The sensor has a submicrometer footprint with a sensitivity that rivals that of state-of-the-art commercial planar surface plasmon sensors, which makes it valuable for applications requiring integration of detection of molecular species in microfluidic channels. The basic principle of the sensor is exploiting the wavelength shifts of the cavity resonances of a metal-coated submicrometer sphere embedded in an opaque metal film due to molecular adsorption. The sensor has been found to be exquisitely responsive in air to water and ethanol vapor adsorption on the bare gold sensor surface. When immersed in a liquid, the sensor can detect the adsorption of less than one monolayer of dodecanethiol (∼1.5 nm) on the gold coating of the sphere.

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Dragnea Research is at the forefront of multidisciplinary innovation, exploring the intersection of nanoscale optics, quantum photonics, physical virology, and bio-architected hybrid materials with 3D nanoscale order. Their latest publications highlight groundbreaking advancements in fields such as self-assembly, optics and spectroscopy, and the physical manipulation of virus-like particles (VLPs) for chemical imaging and surface modifications. Drawing from their expertise in using near-field scanning techniques and laser-induced effects, these works showcase how nanoscale phenomena can be harnessed for applications in material science, virology, and beyond. The accompanying visual mosaic underscores the diverse range of their research, from probing molecular dynamics to the development of 3D-ordered structures, all united by a commitment to pushing the boundaries of applied and theoretical science.