Scientists led by Jakub Dostalek from the Division of Optics of the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences have published a review article on the latest advancements of optical biosensors using plasmon enhanced fluorescence (PEF). This cutting-edge technology enables exceptionally sensitive detection of biomarkers with applications ranging from disease diagnosis and environmental pollution monitoring to single molecule analysis. The paper was published in the prestigious journal TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry.
Plasmonics in biosensors - why is it crucial?
Current optical detection methods struggle to detect extremely low concentrations of biomolecules without time-consuming enzyme reaction-based procedures. This poses a significant challenge particularly for early disease diagnosis (e.g., cancer, viral infections). A compelling solution is represented by plasmon-enhanced fluorescence facilitated by special metal nanostructures. These amplify the fluorescence signal by up to a thousand times enabling the detection of even single molecules in bodily fluids like blood or saliva.
"Plasmonic nanostructures act as optical antennas, dramatically amplifying optical signals," explains Jakub Dostálek, head of the Laboratory of Biophysics, which focuses on this technology. "This allows us to achieve sensitivities approaching the single-molecule detection limit—a feat that was nearly impossible just a few years ago."
Practical applications: From medicine to ecology
The impact of this technology extends far beyond the laboratory. In medicine, for instance, it enables early detection of cancer biomarkers, significantly improving treatment outcomes. In the field of virology, plasmonic sensors have been used in testing for COVID-19, HIV, or other viral infections with extremely low virus concentrations. Another application is in environmental monitoring, where they are used to detect toxic substances in air or water.
"The development of these biosensors aligns perfectly with the Division of Optics' long-standing focus on advanced optical technologies. Plasmonic sensors are a great example of how cutting-edge physics can be combined with real-world applications that make a real difference in our lives," adds Alexandr Dejneka, Head of the Division of Optics of the Institute of Physics.
The future of plasmonic biosensors
Researchers are now working to simplify the production of these sensors to extend their use beyond specialist laboratories – for example, to hospitals, field diagnostic centres or home testing kits. One promising direction is to integrate these technologies into mobile phones that could function as handheld diagnostic laboratories.
Through intensive research and collaboration with leading scientific centres worldwide, the Czech Republic now ranks among the leaders in the field of plasmonic sensors. Researchers from the Division of Optics of the Institute of Physics are contributing to a future where diagnostics are fast, accurate, and accessible to everyone.
