Enhancing single‐molecule fluorescence with nanophotonics. Issue 19 (10th June 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Acuna, Guillermo; Grohmann, Dina; Tinnefeld, Philip
• Is Part Of: FEBS letters. Volume 588:Issue 19(2014)
• Page Start: 3547
• Page End: 3552
• Publication Date: 2014-06-10
• Subjects: Single molecule fluorescence -- Nanophotonics -- Plasmonics -- Fluorescence enhancement; Biochemistry -- Periodicals; Biophysics -- Periodicals; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Biochimie -- Périodiques; Biochemistry; Biophysics; Molecular biology; Periodicals; 572.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.06.016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0014-5793

Abstract

Abstract : Single‐molecule fluorescence spectroscopy has become an important research tool in the life sciences but a number of limitations hinder the widespread use as a standard technique. The limited dynamic concentration range is one of the major hurdles. Recent developments in the nanophotonic field promise to alleviate these restrictions to an extent that even low affinity biomolecular interactions can be studied. After motivating the need for nanophotonics we introduce the basic concepts of nanophotonic devices such as zero mode waveguides and nanoantennas. We highlight current applications and the future potential of nanophotonic approaches when combined with biological systems and single‐molecule spectroscopy.