SPR optical platform

Recognition element Sample preparation Sensor SPR SPR optical platform ... 

The SPR biosensor systems for analysis of complex samples in the field have to integrate several key elements. These include, in particular, a sample preparation unit, a fluidic system, a biorecognition element, and an SPR optical platform (Fig. 1). 

In this biosensor system, a sample is pretreated in the sample preparation unit and dehvered by the fluidic system into contact with the biorecognition element immobihzed on the sensor surface. The SPR optical platform converts its specific interaction with the analyte into the sensor output. 

Fig. 8 Portable SPR sensor system developed at the Institute of Radio Engineering and Electronics, Prague with SPR optical platform, fluidic unit, temperature stabilization, and supporting electronic hardware...

In recent years, first prototypes of SPR biosensor systems integrating these elements have been reported and their application for detection of biological analytes in the field have been demonstrated. Undoubtedly, advances in the development of the key elements - sample preparation technology, microfluidics, biomolecular recognition elements, SPR optical platform - will further stimulate this effort and eventually lead to in-field SPR sensor systems becoming a commercial reality. 

Chemical sensors and biosensors for environmental monitoring present an interesting alternative to these conventional methods and offer numerous attractive features such as ease of use, low cost, portability, and the abihty to perform detection in the field [12-16]. Optical biosensors based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) show potential for rapid and sensitive detection of chemical and biological contaminants in the environment. SPR sensors provide a generic platform which, in conjunction with appropriate biorecognition elements, can be tailored for detection of numerous compounds related to environmental protection [17-19]. 

Nanoporous platforms recently have found utility in the fields of plasmonics and optical detection. Nanoporous gold fllms and metallic-coated nanopores - have been applied to techniques like surface-plasmon resonance (SPR) and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Additionally, nanoporous metal has been demonstrated to enhance single-molecule fluorescence intensity of immobilized fluorophores due to the enhanced localized plasmon field present within the nanopores. Optically transparent alumina membranes have been developed and found utility as optical biosensors. Additionally, nanoporous gold has been demonstrated to optically detect Hg + ions at concentrations smaller than parts per trillion. A fiber-optic ultrasound generator has been developed from the excitation of gold nanopores with a nanosecond laser. ... 

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