Fluorescence enhancement based on plasmonic nanoparticle structures on ferroelectric platforms for bioimaging applications.

Ferroelectric platforms based on photovoltaic LiNbO3:Fe are a powerful tool for trapping and patterning of micro- and nano-particles. By using this tool, metallic structures have been assembled from Ag and Au nanoparticles on the surface of the ferroelectric crystal. Their plasmonic response has been checked through the measurement of the reflectance extinction spectra. Then, the fluorescence enhancement of relevant biomaterials such as DNA and spermatozoa tagged with a variety of fluorophores such as DAPI, fluorescein, or rhodamine B has been investigated. Relevant plasmonic enhancement extended along the visible spectral range have been obtained, particularly with Ag nanoparticle structures. The results suggest the potential of the obtained metallic structures to improve bio-imaging procedures. Finally, we have found that the metal nanoparticle patterns are able to induce an organization of the sperm cells along the nanoparticle fringe structures.

Automated summary

Utilizing ferroelectric platforms based on photovoltaic LiNbO3:Fe, metallic structures have been assembled from Ag and Au nanoparticles on the surface of the crystal, resulting in plasmonic enhancement for bio-imaging procedures. The fluorescence enhancement of biomaterials tagged with various fluorophores has been investigated, with potential applications for improving bio-imaging. Furthermore, metal nanoparticle patterns are found to induce organization of sperm cells along the nanoparticle fringe structures.