Working Group Nanobiophotonics

The research focus includes molecular plasmonics and the development of the potential of plasmonic effects on hybrid nanostructures of molecular elements with chemically-synthesized metal elements for use in biophotonics. The design and synthesis of metal nanoparticles and nanostructures with desired and defined optical properties (localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR)) in combination with (bio)molecular components (e.g., DNA) forms the technological basis of this research focus. The functional nanostructures produced can be passive or active in nature and allow applications in two different directions: for one, the more passive application of plasmonic nanostructures as optical markers and sensors. In sensor technology, plasmonic nanostructures act as optical signal converters. These nanostructures allow applications in medical diagnostics, food and water analysis, and environmental technology issues. For another, active nanostructures can serve as optical antennae and convert incident energy that can be used for the targeted manipulation of biomolecules and for applications in catalysis and material processing.

Research Focus – Molecular Plasmonics:

• Passive molecular plasmonics
  • LSPR-based sensors (snpLSPR, ensLSPR, LSPRi)
  • Plasmonic markers

• Active molecular plasmonics
  • Nanolocal excitation release
  • Nanolocal radiation sources

Technologies

• Microfluidic nanoparticle synthesis (UV to NIR)
• Production of plasmonic nanostructures through self-organization and microintegration
• DNA origami technology
• Sensor development

Application Fields

• Diagnostics

  • Detection of pathogens in
    • Water (also: resistance to antibiotics)
    • Food
    • Medically-relevant samples

  • Detection of biomarkers for
    • Cancer (e.g., exosomes)
    • Rheumatoid arthritis

• Catalysis and material processing
• Imaging and plasmonic-based therapeutic approaches