Ultraviolet optical horn antennas for label-free detection of single proteins.

ABSTRACT: Single-molecule fluorescence techniques have revolutionized our ability to study proteins. However, the presence of a fluorescent label can alter the protein structure and/or modify its reaction with other species. To avoid the need for a fluorescent label, the intrinsic autofluorescence of proteins in the ultraviolet offers the benefits of fluorescence techniques without introducing the labelling drawbacks. Unfortunately, the low autofluorescence brightness of proteins has greatly challenged single molecule detection so far. Here we introduce optical horn antennas, a dedicated nanophotonic platform enabling the label-free detection of single proteins in the UV. This design combines fluorescence plasmonic enhancement, efficient collection up to 85° angle and background screening. We detect

SUBMITTER: Barulin A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8983662 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature