Using nanopillars of silicon oxide as a versatile platform for visualizing a selective immunosorbent

In this study, we fabricated nanopillar arrays of silicon oxide for use as two-dimensional periodic relief gratings (2DPRGs) on Si surfaces. We deposited antibodies onto the pillar surfaces of 2DPRGs modified with protein G to obtain optical detectors that were specific for the targeted antigen; the antigen units that filled the spaces between the nanopillars of the 2DPRG lead to a dramatic change in the pillar scale. The effective refractive index (neff) of the 2DPRGs was related to the pillar scale of the 2DPRG; after coupling of the antigen, a color change from pure green to orange was observable.