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Enhancing single‐molecule fluorescence with nanophotonics
Author(s) -
Acuna Guillermo,
Grohmann Dina,
Tinnefeld Philip
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
febs letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.593
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1873-3468
pISSN - 0014-5793
DOI - 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.06.016
Subject(s) - nanophotonics , nanotechnology , fluorescence , computer science , fluorescence spectroscopy , molecule , materials science , chemistry , physics , optics , organic chemistry
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.