Nanophotonic Concepts for Analytics and Medicine

Our Research

We investigate plasmonic effects in molecular and chemically synthesized metallic hybrid nanostructures and explore their potential for biophotonic applications. Our work spans fundamental studies of light–matter interaction at the nanoscale as well as the development of bioanalytical systems and integrated lab-on-a-chip technologies. The aim is to harness plasmonic phenomena in a targeted manner for sensitive, compact, and functional analytical platforms.

A central focus is on passive molecular plasmonics. Localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPR) in metallic nanoparticles are employed as optical signal transducers, including in array-based sensor concepts. In parallel, we develop active plasmonic approaches in which nanoantennas are used for plasmonic catalysis, material processing, and nanoscale manipulation. These concepts enable the controlled enhancement and localization of optical fields on molecular length scales.

The combination of plasmonic nanostructures with microfluidics and image-based readout represents another key methodological pillar of the Nanobiophotonics research department. This results in integrated platforms for on-chip biophotonics, spectroscopy, and analytics.
Our research addresses applications in medical diagnostics, food and water analysis, and environmental technologies, and is closely linked to institute-wide themes such as nanoplasmonics, biomedical imaging, and bioanalytical chip systems.

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Fritzsche

Head of Department
+49 3641 206304
wolfgang.fritzsche@leibniz-ipht.de

Research Focus Areas

Molecular & Nanoscale
Plasmonics

Investigation of passive and active plasmonic effects in metallic nanostructures for controlled light–matter interaction on the molecular scale

Plasmonic Biosensing
& Bioanalytics

LSPR-based sensing and plasmonic analytical methods for sensitive bioanalytical applications, including microarray-based concepts

Integrated Microfluidic &
Lab-on-a-Chip Systems

Combination of plasmonic nanostructures with microfluidics for on-chip biophotonics, spectroscopy, and automated analytics

Plasmonic Diagnostics &
Application Systems

Development of compact, application-oriented plasmonic systems for medical diagnostics as well as environmental and food analysis, including point-of-care approaches

Working Groups

Microfluidics

Dr. Thomas Henkel

Molecular Plasmonics

Dr. Andrea Csaki

Collaborations and Networks

The Nanobiophotonics research department is closely integrated into interdisciplinary research networks and collaborates with partners from biology, medicine, chemistry, and engineering. Our work is part of institute-wide research priorities such as nanoplasmonics, bioanalytical and medical chip systems, and biomedical microscopy and imaging. In this context, we make intensive use of the technological platforms and methodological expertise of Leibniz IPHT.

A key focus of networking activities lies in infection research. Within the Leibniz Center for Photonics in Infection Research (LPI), the department contributes its expertise in plasmonic biosensing, lab-on-a-chip systems, and image-based analytical methods. The goal is the development and validation of photonic approaches for the sensitive detection and characterization of infectious processes.

Through close collaboration with other research units at Leibniz IPHT as well as external scientific and clinical partners, the department helps advance plasmonic methods from fundamental investigation to application-oriented implementation. This networking strengthens the role of nanobiophotonics as a connecting element between physical basic research, bioanalytical methodology, and medical application.