A DNA/gold nano-platform for the optical sensing of single molecules – DiAGNOSE

The ability of metal nanostructures to translate local biochemical information into a macroscopic optical signal has enabled two commercial sensing techniques: Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) spectroscopy and colorimetric sensing. In this project, we will downscale a colorimetric sensor to a single nanostructure to reach sensitivities beyond SPR while maintaining a low-cost measurement strategy: color monitoring on a CCD camera using while-light illumination. Three major innovations are expected: i) The design of dynamic nanostructures that exhibit controlled motion in response to external triggers and translate them in an optical signal. ii) Single (bio)molecular detection using low-tech optical equipment for small analytes. iii) The compatibility of plasmon-based sensors to digital diagnostics. The development of such versatile nanostructures has tremendous potential in industrial applications such as ultra-sensitive diagnostics, nanoactuators or trace contaminant detection in water.