Starch-Based Biological Microlasers

ACS Nano. 2017 Jan 24;11(1):597-602. doi: 10.1021/acsnano.6b06772. Epub 2016 Dec 19.

Abstract

Microlasers with good biocompatibility are of great significance to the detection of tiny changes in biological systems. Most current biolasers were realized through the introduction of biomaterials into various external resonators, resulting in an increase of difficulties in application. Here, we used starch as the host to build dye@starch microlasers by encapsulating guest organic laser dye into the interhelical structure of starch granules. The as-prepared dye@starch system with high transparency and ultrasmooth spherical surface functions as an efficient whispering gallery mode resonator for low threshold lasing. The obtained laser signal is closely related to the structural transformation of the starch matrix. Our results would provide a deep insight into the relationship between biostructure and lasing properties, facilitating the monitoring of the structural variances in biological processes through lasing signals.

Keywords: bio-nanophotonics; biological composite material; organic laser; organic nanophotonic material; starch laser.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Coloring Agents / chemistry*
  • Lasers*
  • Optical Imaging
  • Particle Size
  • Solanum tuberosum / chemistry
  • Spectrometry, Fluorescence
  • Starch / chemistry*
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Coloring Agents
  • Starch