Work

Enhanced Fluorescence from Fluorophores on Fractal Silver Surfaces

Year: 2003

Type: article

Abstract: Recent reports have shown enhanced fluorescence for fluorophores in close proximity to chemically deposited silver islands or colloids. To expand the usefulness of metal-enhanced fluorescence we tested fractal silver structures formed on, or near, silver electrodes by passage of electric currents. The emission intensity of fluorescein-labeled human serum albumin (FITC-HSA) was enhanced over 100-fold when adsorbed to the fractal silver structures as compared to glass. The amplitude-weighted lifetime is dramatically reduced to near 3 ps. Enhanced fluorescence was shown to result in selective observation of FITC-HSA over a fluorophore not attached to the silver surface. And finally, photostability measurements indicate 160-fold more photons are detectable from FITC-HSA on the fractal silver surface. These results suggest the use of in situ generated silver structures for metal-enhanced fluorescence.

Source: The Journal of Physical Chemistry B

DOI: 10.1021/jp022660r

Authors: Alexandr Parfenov, Ignacy Gryczynski, Joanna Malicka, Chris D. Geddes, Joseph R. Lakowicz

Institutions: University of Maryland, Baltimore, University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute

Language: English

Topic: Gold and Silver Nanoparticles Synthesis and Applications

Subfield: Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Center for Research Resources

Awards: Biohazard Detection Using Metal-Enhanced Fluorescence, Metal-Enhanced Fluorescence Sensing, Center for Fluorescence Spectroscopy