We demonstrate a novel localized surface-plasmon resonance sensor that can distinguish surface binding interactions from interfering bulk effects. This is accomplished by utilizing the longitudinal and transverse plasmon modes of gold nanorods. We have investigated, both numerically and experimentally, the effect of change in background refractive index and surface binding on the two resonances...

Using microsphere lithography, a bottom-up fabrication method, we create large areas of gold Fischer pattern. Additionally, using a Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate coated with a thin layer of gold, we demonstrate fluorescence quenching and enhancement when the PDMSAu sample is in contact with the fluorescent dye Nile Blue. Additionally, reduced photobleaching of the Nile Blue is shown. Ob...

Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a powerful tool with great potential to provide improved bio-sensing capabilities. The current 'gold-standard' method for diagnosis of malaria involves visual inspection of blood smears using light microscopy, which is time consuming and can prevent early diagnosis of the disease. We present a novel surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrate based ...

Spin-coated gold colloids showed a time-dependent increase in emission upon illumination at 532 nm. The emission originated from point-like locations and displayed blinking. The emission spectra of the individual spots and their spatial location remained constant, which is distinct from recent reports on silver nanoparticles. These results suggest the use of emission from gold clusters in nanop...

RNA aptamers showing affinity and specificity for different strains of human influenza virus were assembled onto gold nanoparticles that subsequently formed a gold nanoshell (AuNS) around the viral envelope. These shells could be visualised by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Changes in size and structure of the AuNS coated virus can be used to detect the viruses. We show that sedimentat...

Porous biosilica from diatom frustules is well known for its peculiar optical and mechanical properties. In this work, gold-coated diatom frustules are used as low-cost, ready available, functional support for surface-enhanced Raman scattering. Due to the morphology of the nanostructured surface and the smoothness of gold deposition via an electroless process, an enhancement factor for the p-me...