Using U-Shaped Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensors to Compensate for Nonspecific Interactions

We report a simple label-free localized surface plasmon resonance sensor that uses the multiple resonances of a U-shaped gold nanostructure to differentiate the target interaction of interest from background refractive index interference and nonspecific binding of interfering molecules. U-shaped nanostructures were fabricated using electron-beam lithography and their sensing capabilities were tested by introducing different solutions to simulate various specific and nonspecific effects. The three resonances of the nanostructure yield distinct bulk as well as specific and nonspecific surface sensitivities that allow for the differentiation of the three effects.