Enhanced fluorescence from fluorophores on fractal silver surfaces

Alexandr Parfenov, Ignacy Gryczynski, Joanna Malicka, Chris D. Geddes, Joseph R. Lakowicz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

180 Scopus citations

Abstract

Recent reports have shown enhanced fluorescence for fluorophores in close proximity to chemically deposited silver islands or colloids. To expand the usefulness of metal-enhanced fluorescence we tested fractal silver structures formed on, or near, silver electrodes by passage of electric currents. The emission intensity of fluorescein-labeled human serum albumin (FITC-HSA) was enhanced over 100-fold when adsorbed to the fractal silver structures as compared to glass. The amplitude-weighted lifetime is dramatically reduced to near 3 ps. Enhanced fluorescence was shown to result in selective observation of FITC-HSA over a fluorophore not attached to the silver surface. And finally, photostability measurements indicate 160-fold more photons are detectable from FITC-HSA on the fractal silver surface. These results suggest the use of in situ generated silver structures for metal-enhanced fluorescence.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)8829-8833
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Physical Chemistry B
Volume107
Issue number34
DOIs
StatePublished - 28 Aug 2003

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