A plasmonic biosensor array by block copolymer lithography

Highly uniform and dense, hexagonal noble metal nanoparticle arrays were achieved on large-area transparent glass substrates via scalable, parallel processing of block copolymer lithography. Exploring their localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) characteristics revealed that the Ag nanoparticle array displayed a UV-vis absorbance spectrum sufficiently narrow and intense for biosensing application. A highly-sensitive, label-free detection of prostate cancer specific antibody (anti-PSA) with sub-ng ml−1 level detection limit (0.1∼1 ng ml−1) has been accomplished with the plasmonic nanostructure. Our approach offers a valuable route to a low-cost, manufacture-scale production of plasmonic nanostructures, potentially useful for various photonic and optoelectronic devices.