A plasmonic biosensor array by block copolymer lithography†

Abstract

Highly uniform and dense, hexagonal noble metal nanoparticle arrays were achieved on large-areatransparent glass substrates via scalable, parallel processing of block copolymer lithography. Exploringtheir localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) characteristics revealed that the Ag nanoparticlearray displayed a UV-vis absorbance spectrum sufficiently narrow and intense for biosensingapplication. A highly-sensitive, label-free detection of prostate cancer specific antibody (anti-PSA) withsub-ng ml1 level detection limit (0.11 ng ml1) has been accomplished with the plasmonicnanostructure. Our approach offers a valuable route to a low-cost, manufacture-scale production ofplasmonic nanostructures, potentially useful for various photonic and optoelectronic devices.