Spectroscopy of single metal nanoparticles for single-molecule biosensing

In this presentation, I will introduce two plasmon-enhanced single-molecule sensing platforms designed to investigate biomolecular processes across a broad range of timescales, from microseconds to hours. First, I will discuss a dynamic nanoparticle-on-film sensor that utilizes resonant coupling between localized and propagating plasmons for single-molecule detection. This platform enables continuous monitoring of fluctuating biomolecular concentrations over extended periods by exploiting low-affinity (reversible) interactions. Next, I will present an innovative platform based on plasmon-enhanced fluorescence, capable of probing single-molecule dynamics at microsecond timescales. I will explore the underlying signal generation mechanisms and demonstrate the platform's potential to quantify both mono- and multivalent interactions in real-time. Accurately quantifying such kinetic processes across a wide temporal range is essential for advancing our understanding of disease mechanisms and for the development of future diagnostic technologies.