Optimisation of plasmonic-based biosensors for label-free imaging of molecular arrays; towards diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases

Plasmonic-based biosensors offer huge potential as diagnostic instruments. The greatest benefit of such detection modalities is that they are label-free and thus only a single selective ligand is required for target detection, decreasing both protocol time and the required user proficiency. However, during technology development, the problems associated with using a detection system based upon an addition of mass need to be considered to ensure accurate target detection and quantification. This is particularly important in diagnostic applications as biomarkers are likely to be identified in complex bodily fluids including blood plasma, cerebrospinal fluid or saliva. We have extended these analytical approaches by implementing molecular arrays that recognise panels of marker biomolecules to discriminate the presence and severity of Alzheimer's Disease.