Magneto-plasmonic biosensor with enhanced analytical response and stability

Abstract

We present novel solutions to surpass current analytic limitations of Magneto-Optical Surface Plasmon Resonance (MOSPR) assays, concerning both the chip structure and the method for data analysis. The structure of the chip is modified to contain a thin layer of Co-Au alloy instead of successive layers of homogeneous metals, as currently used. This alloy presents improved plasmonic and magnetic properties, yet a structural stability similar to Au-SPR chips, allowing for bioaffinity assays in saline solutions. Analyzing the whole reflectivity curve at multiple angles of incidence instead of the reflectivity value at a single incidence angle provides a high signal-to-noise ratio suitable for detection of minute analyte concentrations. Based on assessment of solutions with known refractive indices as well as of a model biomolecular interaction (i.e. IgG-AntiIgG) we demonstrate that the proposed structure of the MOSPR sensing chip and the procedure of data analysis allows for long-time assessment in liquid media with increased sensitivity over standard SPR analyses.

Keywords: Affinity biosensor; Angle-resolved surface plasmon resonance; Fixed-angle surface plasmon resonance; Magnetic alloys; Magneto-optic surface plasmon resonance; Surface plasmon resonance enhancement.