Wavelength-Dependent Metal-Enhanced Fluorescence Biosensors via Resonance Energy Transfer Modulation

Fluorescence can be enhanced or quenched depending on the distance between the surface of a metal nanoparticle and the fluorophore molecule. Fluorescence enhancement by nearby metal particles is called metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF). MEF shows promising potential in the field of fluorescence-based biological sensing. MEF-based biosensor systems generally fall into two platform categories: (1) a two/three-dimensional scaffold, or (2) a colloidal suspension. This review briefly summarizes the application studies using wavelength-dependent carbon dots (UV-VIS), noble metals (VIS), and upconversion nanoparticles (NIR to VIS), representative nanomaterials that contribute to the enhancement of fluorescence through the resonance energy transfer modulation and then presents a perspective on this topic.

Automated summary

Fluorescence can be enhanced or quenched depending on the distance between the metal nanoparticle surface and the fluorophore molecule. Metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF) has promising potential in fluorescence-based biological sensing. MEF-based biosensor systems can be categorized into two platforms: two/three-dimensional scaffolds or colloidal suspensions. This review summarizes the applications of wavelength-dependent carbon dots (UV-VIS), noble metals (VIS), and upconversion nanoparticles (NIR to VIS), which contribute to the enhancement of fluorescence through resonance energy transfer modulation, and provides a perspective on this topic.